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The Other Missouri History: Populists, Prostitutes, and Regular Folk
The essays in The Other Missouri History explore a wide range of topics in Missouri social history . By dealing with the lives of ordinary Missourians, these pieces examine the effects of significant social and economic change at all levels of society. With a broader scope in Missouri history than previous studies, this book demonstrates how Missourians have been affected by issues of race, class, and gender.
Gregg Andrews's essay, “The Racial Politics of Reconstruction in Ralls County, 1865–1870,” examines how race shaped the political culture in Ralls County during the Reconstruction Era. Andrews argues that race-baiting was used prominently by editors of the Ralls County Record to discredit Radicals in the county and was perhaps the most powerful political weapon that conservatives and later Democrats could use to gain the allegiance of voters.
Farmers are another popular topic for those practicing the “other Missouri history.” Michael J. Steiner's “The Failure of Alliance/Populism in Northern Missouri” provides insight into the economic and rhetorical reasons for the failure of Populism in Missouri. Steiner contends that white farmers in northern Missouri were happy with the status quo and rejected calls for radical reform and major change in the agricultural economy.
Women began to become active in public life during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Janice Brandon-Falcone's “Constance Runcie and the Runcie Club of St. Joseph” examines the first two decades of an important women's club that still exists in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Also included in The Other Missouri History are essays by Deborah J. Henry, Daniel A. Graff, Bonnie Stepenoff, Robert Faust, and Amber R. Clifford.
Because of the diverse issues addressed, this volume will appeal to general readers of Missouri and Midwestern history, as well as to those who teach courses in history and have sought a supplemental text.
Gregg Andrews's essay, “The Racial Politics of Reconstruction in Ralls County, 1865–1870,” examines how race shaped the political culture in Ralls County during the Reconstruction Era. Andrews argues that race-baiting was used prominently by editors of the Ralls County Record to discredit Radicals in the county and was perhaps the most powerful political weapon that conservatives and later Democrats could use to gain the allegiance of voters.
Farmers are another popular topic for those practicing the “other Missouri history.” Michael J. Steiner's “The Failure of Alliance/Populism in Northern Missouri” provides insight into the economic and rhetorical reasons for the failure of Populism in Missouri. Steiner contends that white farmers in northern Missouri were happy with the status quo and rejected calls for radical reform and major change in the agricultural economy.
Women began to become active in public life during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Janice Brandon-Falcone's “Constance Runcie and the Runcie Club of St. Joseph” examines the first two decades of an important women's club that still exists in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Also included in The Other Missouri History are essays by Deborah J. Henry, Daniel A. Graff, Bonnie Stepenoff, Robert Faust, and Amber R. Clifford.
Because of the diverse issues addressed, this volume will appeal to general readers of Missouri and Midwestern history, as well as to those who teach courses in history and have sought a supplemental text.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 30, 2005
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February 9, 2011
This book consists of 10 essays on aspects of Missouri history. The topics are for the most part rather mundane: the influence of women's clubs in the Lead Belt area in the early 1900's, the story of politically-related violence in the Ozarks, a short history of prostitution in Kansas City, and so on. I found this book interesting because of the view into the lives of ordinary people in various tines, situations, and regions of the state. For instance, we all know that racism and segregation is a part of our country's history. Yet when you read how this concept manifested itself in people's daily lives, you get a much deeper and personal understanding of what racism and segregation really meant.
Oftentimes, histories are written about great people or great events. This book is about neither, and for that reason is a refreshing change of pace. If you enjoy learning history, and particularly if you have some familiarity or connection with the state of Missouri, I think you will enjoy this book.
Oftentimes, histories are written about great people or great events. This book is about neither, and for that reason is a refreshing change of pace. If you enjoy learning history, and particularly if you have some familiarity or connection with the state of Missouri, I think you will enjoy this book.
Displaying 1 of 1 review