The authors attempt to reproduce the depiction of the American Economic System as seen by contemporary critical German writers and thus make a contribution to the economic aspects of American civilization. They present a criticism of the ideology which is at times ironic and biting, motivated partly by open hostility, if not anti-Americanism. They present a study with whose tenor many readers will agree which, however, definitely will provoke open protest - possibly a good opportunity for the reader to critically review his/her picture of the United States.