Streetcars played an especially important role in society around the turn of the twentieth century in Detroit, in part because of the downtown hub-and-spoke design of its main streets. During this period the streetcar was the main mode of transportation for the average citizen, as horse-drawn carriages and automobiles were not found outside of the upper class. Control over streetcar franchises was highly coveted - this control was simultaneous with having power over how and where people were transported throughout the city, making it an incredible political tool.

The Thirty-Year War was a battle waged between 1892 and 1922 by the City of Detroit against the politically powerful and deeply entrenched corporations that owned streetcar franchises for control of the city's streetway system. This compelling history shows how and why the owners of monopoly franchises of great public utilities such as bridges, street railways, electricity, natural gas, and cable television will protect and defend their privilege against public ownership or control, and is an example of how one city successfully fought back.

About the Author
Neil J. Lehto is an attorney in southeastern Michigan who specializes in representing Michigan cities, townships, and villages in various cable television, public utility, municipal franchise, and telecommunications tower matters.


Book Information
ISBN 9781611862300
Author Neil J. Lehto
Format Hardback
Page Count 337
Imprint Michigan State University Press
Publisher Michigan State University Press
Weight(grams) 862g
Dimensions(mm) 256mm * 180mm * 33mm