This work examines the beginnings of urban planning, and traces its gradual emergence as a guiding influence at all levels of government. It includes detail drawn from numerous original documents and extensive interviews with pioneers of the profession. Political movements, the people, the institutions, civic crises and legislative struggles are all described and investigated. Originally published in 1971 and commissioned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the American Institute of Planning, this is a reprint of the original text.