The North Dakota Political Tradition

North Dakota’s struggle to achieve judicious government control over corporate interests contributed to a political tradition that is unique in American history. The North Dakota Political Tradition, written in 1981 to help commemorate North Dakota’s centennial, is the first in the North Dakota Centennial Heritage Series. It helps explain the origin of certain radical tendencies and mediating forces at work in North Dakota politics from 1889 through the 1950s. The authors define the political heritage of North Dakota as a successful blend of creative political leadership with the constructive activism of a concerned citizenry. This is the story of the genesis of movements within and without the Republican Party that led to the rise to power of such colorful and dynamic leaders as Alexander McKenzie, “Honest John” Burke, William Langer, Fred Aandahl, and Elizabeth Preston Anderson. The North Dakota Political Tradition fulfills the need for a concise political history of the state. This book is the only volume of its kind available: a collection of essays delineating the personalities and movements that shaped not only North Dakota’s future, but the future of the nation as well.

Authors
Charles N. Glaab, professor of history, University of Toledo

Bill G. Reid, professor of history, North Dakota State University

Larry Remele, historian, State Historical Society of North Dakota

Daniel F. Rylance, curator, Chester Fritz Library, University of North Dakota

Glenn H. Smith, professor of history, University of North Dakota

D. Jerome Tweton, professor of history, University of North Dakota

Robert P. Wilkins, professor of history, University of North Dakota

Editor
Thomas W. Howard, professor of history, University of North Dakota