Let it be immediately added, however, that this economic independence and prosperity has always been absolutely associated in the American mind with free political institutions.

In this quote, Herbert Croly, an American journalist and political theorist, explores the connection between economic independence and free political institutions in the American consciousness. Croly argues that for Americans, the idea of economic prosperity has always been deeply intertwined with the belief in freedom and democracy. He highlights that the United States has traditionally viewed economic success as a reflection of its commitment to liberty and self-governance—core values of its political system.

Croly suggests that economic independence, where citizens and the nation are not beholden to external financial forces, has been seen not just as a practical goal but as a critical part of preserving the freedom that democratic institutions offer. In the American mind, a nation that is economically dependent on others cannot fully be free, because its political autonomy and ability to make independent decisions would be compromised. This idea ties into the broader notion that true political freedom is supported by a self-sustaining economy.

By emphasizing the link between economic prosperity and free political institutions, Croly points out that the American ideal has always been one where both the economic system and the governmental structure work together to preserve individual liberty. The country’s founders believed that economic control and political autonomy were inseparable for creating a truly free society. This idea shaped much of American policy and thinking, particularly in the context of its early struggles for independence.

Ultimately, Croly's quote speaks to the American belief that economic freedom and political freedom are two sides of the same coin. Without one, the other cannot fully thrive, and both are essential to maintaining the democratic principles that have defined the United States. This connection between prosperity and democracy has influenced American political thought and remains central to its national identity.