From Buildings and Loans to Bail-Outs
A History of the American Savings and Loan Industry, 1831–1995

The overall historical perspective sheds new light on the events of the 1980s and analyses the efforts to rehabilitate the industry in the 1990s.

David L. Mason (Author)

9780521827546, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 5 July 2004

362 pages, 17 tables
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.4 cm, 0.7 kg

"Anyone studying the savings and loan industry in the United States will have to consult this book. Its lengthy footnotes, as well as its text, serve as a valuable guide for researchers." - American Historical Review, Marc Egnal, York University

For most Americans, the savings and loan industry is defined by the fraud, ineptitude and failures of the 1980s. However, these events overshadow a long history in which thrifts played a key role in helping thousands of households buy homes. First appearing in the 1830s savings and loans, then known as building and loans, encourage their working-class members to adhere to the principles of thrift and mutual co-operation as a way to achieve the 'American Dream' of home ownership. This book traces the development of this industry from its origins as a movement of a loosely affiliated collection of institutions into a major element of America's financial markets. It also analyses how diverse groups of Americans, including women, ethnic Americans and African Americans, used thrifts to improve their lives and elevate their positions in society. Finally the overall historical perspective sheds new light on the events of the 1980s and analyses the efforts to rehabilitate the industry in the 1990s.

Introduction
1. A movement takes shape, 1831–99
2. The rise of the league, 1900–29
3. From State to Federal oversight
4. The movement becomes an industry, 1930–45
5. The glory years, 1946–55
6. External challenges and internal divisions, 1956–66
7. Lost opportunities, 1967–79
8. Deregulation and disaster 1979–88
9. Resolving the crisis, restoring the confidence, 1989–95
10. The American savings and loan industry in perspective
Appendices
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Personal finance [VSB], 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000 [HBLW], History of the Americas [HBJK]