Description
Book SynopsisProvides a lively tour of the Great Plains region through the civic and political contributions of its citizens, demonstrating the importance of community in the region.
Great Plains Politics profiles six men and women who had a profound impact on the civic and community life of the Great Plains.
Trade Review"
Great Plains Politics focuses on how each person and the whole region has a form of politics that focuses on the group and not the individual."—Crystal Watkins,
Chronicles of Oklahoma"
Great Plains Politics can be read as another midwestern "resistance" narrative. Longo defends plains people and their ways against the sneers of those claiming to be their cultural betters. This traditional stance will be appreciated by many readers, especially those who believe their "cohesive communities" should defend special, but threatened, midwestern virtues."—Karl Brooks,
Annals of Iowa"Well worth reading."—Paul Landow,
Nebraska History“A lively and engaging work on the subtle layerings between individuals, community, political identity, and political life in the Great Plains, with narrative, biography, and analysis that reveal the people-place-politics synergies of Great Plains politics and community.”—James M. Scott, Herman Brown Chair and Professor at Texas Christian University and coeditor of
Political Research Quarterly“Through his stories of six leaders from the Great Plains, Peter Longo reveals how these engaged citizens shaped their communities and how the future will be decided by those who likewise embrace the call of citizenry.”—Joe Blankenau, professor of political science at Wayne State College
“Peter Longo’s work uses the stories of notable people to depict the power and history of the Great Plains. The diversity of the subjects introduces us to figures who don’t get enough attention and tells us lesser-known stories about well-known people. Collectively, these well-told stories remind us of the richness of our region.”—John Falconer, director of the Honors Program, University of Nebraska at Kearney
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter One. Wilma Mankiller: Grassroots Activism to Leading the Cherokee Nation
Chapter Two. Virginia Smith: Beyond the Kitchen
Chapter Three. Junius Groves: From Slave to Potato King
Chapter Four. George McGovern: Serving the Plains and Beyond
Chapter Five. Bob Dole: The Man from Russell
Chapter Six. Elizabeth Byrd: A Legacy in the Face of Discrimination
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
