In the early 1900's there was also the anti-trust law.

I'm guessing that such redistributive policies may be part of the solution, but that there are also many other necessary prerequisites, like reasonable rates of corruption, crime, etc. As well as a strong work ethic among the public, and public morality. So you need a critical mass of moral, hard-working people to form the backbone of society. Too many criminals and freeloaders and it won't work.

Culture matters.