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A Short History of Wisconsin
Rediscover Wisconsin history from the very beginning. A Short History of Wisconsin recounts the landscapes, people, and traditions that have made the state the multifaceted place it is today. With an approach both comprehensive and accessible, historian Erika Janik covers several centuries of Wisconsin's remarkable past, showing how the state was shaped by the same world wars, waves of new inhabitants, and upheavals in society and politics that shaped the nation. Swift, authoritative, and compulsively readable, A Short History of Wisconsin commences with the glaciers that hewed the region's breathtaking terrain, the Native American cultures who first called it home, and French explorers and traders who mapped what was once called "Mescousing." Janik moves through the Civil War and two world wars, covers advances in the rights of women, workers, African Americans, and Indians, and recent shifts involving the environmental movement and the conservative revolution of the late 20th century. Wisconsin has hosted industries from fur-trapping to mining to dairying, and its political landscape sprouted figures both renowned and reviled, from Fighting Bob La Follette to Joseph McCarthy. Janik finds the story of a state not only in the broad strokes of immigration and politics, but also in the daily lives shaped by work, leisure, sports, and culture. A Short History of Wisconsin offers a fresh understanding of how Wisconsin came into being and how Wisconsinites past and present share a deep connection to the land itself.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
254 pages, Paperback
First published July 8, 2010
25 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Erika Janik
9 books33 followersErika Janik is a freelance writer and a radio producer at Wisconsin Public Radio. She is the author of Apple: A Global History, Madison: A History of a Model City, A Short History of Wisconsin, and Odd Wisconsin: Amusing, Perplexing and Unlikely Stories from Wisconsin’s Past.
Interested in nearly everything, Erika writes on local food and drink, Wisconsin history, medical history, and green living, among other things. Her work has appeared on Smithsonian.com, Mental Floss, Midwest Living, Isthmus, the Wisconsin Magazine of History, the Wisconsin State Journal, The Onion, MyMidwest, Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine, and in the book Renewing the Countryside: Wisconsin (University of Wisconsin Press, 2007). Her essays have also been featured on Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Wisconsin Life.”
Originally from Redmond, Washington, Erika now knows more about Wisconsin history than she ever thought possible. She has a BA in history from Linfield College (2002), an MA in American history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2004), and an MA in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2006).
Interested in nearly everything, Erika writes on local food and drink, Wisconsin history, medical history, and green living, among other things. Her work has appeared on Smithsonian.com, Mental Floss, Midwest Living, Isthmus, the Wisconsin Magazine of History, the Wisconsin State Journal, The Onion, MyMidwest, Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine, and in the book Renewing the Countryside: Wisconsin (University of Wisconsin Press, 2007). Her essays have also been featured on Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Wisconsin Life.”
Originally from Redmond, Washington, Erika now knows more about Wisconsin history than she ever thought possible. She has a BA in history from Linfield College (2002), an MA in American history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2004), and an MA in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2006).
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 23, 2024
Project Read-a-History-of-Every-State-in-Order-of-Statehood #30
Wisconsin really is one of the best states you'll ever go to. I would move there in a heartbeat. It has all the quintessential needs of life: beer, cheese, fine meats, Mader's German restaurant, beer, football, and shitloads of snow. It all fits in with my decades-running theory that the Upper Midwest is the greatest part of America.
This is a nice and tidy little history of the 30th state. It's brief but covers all your needs. There is even an admirable amount of space given over to the Native presence pre-European intrusion which is always nice. Sections on local economic stuff and famed sons and daughters of Wisconsin abound. and the former isn't even boring! At times during its history both progressive (even socialist!) and horribly conservative and stupid, Wisconsin embodies much of the American ideal.
Wisconsin really is one of the best states you'll ever go to. I would move there in a heartbeat. It has all the quintessential needs of life: beer, cheese, fine meats, Mader's German restaurant, beer, football, and shitloads of snow. It all fits in with my decades-running theory that the Upper Midwest is the greatest part of America.
This is a nice and tidy little history of the 30th state. It's brief but covers all your needs. There is even an admirable amount of space given over to the Native presence pre-European intrusion which is always nice. Sections on local economic stuff and famed sons and daughters of Wisconsin abound. and the former isn't even boring! At times during its history both progressive (even socialist!) and horribly conservative and stupid, Wisconsin embodies much of the American ideal.
November 27, 2013
An excellent and concise summary of the major geologic, political, and social forces that have shaped Wisconsin history. The information about important Wisconsin events in the 1960s -1990s was incredibly useful to me, because this was NEVER TAUGHT in school (and I attended K-12 in Wisconsin). I cannot believe that we don't talk about some of these things, because they so directly correlate to the current political and social issues in the state. I am a more informed citizen and voter after reading this book and will be recommending it to other Wisconsin residents, as well.
May 18, 2023
Read this book in paperback after having it recommended by the operator of an upcoming bike tour across Wisconsin. The author has done a superlative job of setting Wisconsin's history inside the framework of national history. The primary text is succinct and enables you to take in a vibrant history of the state across the last 250 years. There is a lengthy appendix that offers the many sources that the author consulted. I appreciated the structure, style and strategy of the book. I recommend it if you are planning to visit or live in Wisconsin.
December 23, 2023
Janik writes in a way that is easy to follow. This book's chapters are ordered chronologically, and each has a clear theme supported by evidence. It's a straight forward book that I found an easy and quick read.
Yet, if the reader is looking for historical research and depth, this book won't fill that want. Janik lacks depth in historical research and narrative telling of past events. Readers won't find voices of past Wisconsinites in the form of many people or long quotes. The book is indeed a "short history" -- very short.
Yet, if the reader is looking for historical research and depth, this book won't fill that want. Janik lacks depth in historical research and narrative telling of past events. Readers won't find voices of past Wisconsinites in the form of many people or long quotes. The book is indeed a "short history" -- very short.
January 19, 2020
Seemed like a fairly good introduction to Wisconsin History. Big knock is the lack of citations. Hard to know where the pieces of information are coming from or how accurate said info is.
If you are a casual reader just looking for a brief taste of the state's history, this is probably for you.
If you are more like me and were looking for something more historical research oriented, it seems like you are likely better off looking into the 6 volume set from the WI Historical Society Press.
If you are a casual reader just looking for a brief taste of the state's history, this is probably for you.
If you are more like me and were looking for something more historical research oriented, it seems like you are likely better off looking into the 6 volume set from the WI Historical Society Press.
March 29, 2024
⭐⭐⭐ - Liked It
The history in this book was very helpful for me to gain insight into the state that I have lived in for my whole life. I never knew about the conflict between the anti-alcohol Yankees and the pro-alcohol Germans or about the ban against having school classes in a language other than English that German communities fought against. The history on the relations of white man with the natives of Wisconsin was also very interesting to read about.
The history in this book was very helpful for me to gain insight into the state that I have lived in for my whole life. I never knew about the conflict between the anti-alcohol Yankees and the pro-alcohol Germans or about the ban against having school classes in a language other than English that German communities fought against. The history on the relations of white man with the natives of Wisconsin was also very interesting to read about.
May 5, 2024
A short and enjoyable work focused on the history of Wisconsin.
Erika Janik begins with prehistory and advances chronologically, discussing the events and situations that made Wisconsin what it is today.
I grew up in Milwaukee, so I learned this in school. I learned about the French, the fur trade, the Native Americans, and more.
Finally, the book has ideas for further reading.
I enjoyed the book. Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.
Erika Janik begins with prehistory and advances chronologically, discussing the events and situations that made Wisconsin what it is today.
I grew up in Milwaukee, so I learned this in school. I learned about the French, the fur trade, the Native Americans, and more.
Finally, the book has ideas for further reading.
I enjoyed the book. Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.
June 14, 2025
If you want a top-line look at WI history so you can dive in deeper on a particular area, then this is your book. Really well done and easy to read. I pretty much only read history books and I can say that Erika keeps the topics engaging and avoids the pitfalls of dryness so many history books fall into. Love it!
February 2, 2019
Great to know there are other writers interested in Wisconsin History. I especially found chapter 14 (Depression) the most informative. Erika briefly talks about Roosevelt's New Deal, as it relates to Wisconsin.
February 19, 2018
Wonderful writing and interesting things I have never learned before. Definitely worth the read whether you are from Wisconsin or not!
May 22, 2018
Students liked it
December 8, 2019
Concise...and enjoyable...clearly based on lecture notes...
April 24, 2020
As far as history books go, this was a short, easy, and enjoyable read of Wisconsin history.
April 19, 2021
Good concise history of the state from the time of European settlement to the 21st century.
January 19, 2022
A great book that outlines some of the important points of Wisconsin’s history. As a born and bred Wisconsinite…I learned some things I never knew about my home!
January 9, 2017
On Wisconsin!
October 28, 2012
Ever since I’ve left Wisconsin, I’ve become more interested in its history. Wisconsin is an odd state really. Although most Americans’ eyes gloss over it on a map, the mostly ignored, mitten-shaped state crammed between the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest has a fascinating history.
As a budding anthropologist, I’m obsessed with the idea of place-making. Too often individuals fail to respect the importance and uniqueness of seemingly less desirable regions. In the United States, I am sometimes reluctant to answer where I’m from because most askers make some rude, rather stereotyped joke (“You’re from Wisconsin? Oh, I’m sorry!) when the response is anything but an East Coast metropolis or sunny California town. I understand that most people are joking; they give zero thought to what has been indoctrinated as an acceptable response, but in my studies of anthropology and personal experience, such degradation of smaller, less populated areas is harmful. So I loved this book because it provided a plethora of facts about why Wisconsinites and non-Wisconsinites alike should appreciate the state.
For example, author Erika Janik constructs this short history tome using a binary opposition: the dissonance between tradition and reform. Of course, this contradiction is not Wisconsin-specific, but it does seem to best define the state. In the corner of tradition, we learn that Wisconsin has the oldest state constitution in its original form (sans amendments) outside of New England and that Wisconsin founded many of the first environmental conservation movements, thus seeking to preserve the natural in lieu of the new. Yet Wisconsin is also immensely forward-thinking (the state’s motto is, unironically, “Forward”). Wisconsin is the birthplace of both the Republican party and Progressivism and it had the first large-scale electric use (in Appleton! where I grew up). These struggles between tradition and novelty led to many of the states’ interpersonal conflicts. The Yankees and Germans fought ferociously over state politics, although I’m unsure which group is the traditionalist here, and Protestants and Catholics argued over state morals and religion (strangely, the Protestants were the more uptight group and wanted to outlaw more personal liberties in the name of God and morality). It would take a bit of thought, but if I wanted to, I bet I could construct a thesis as to how this clash of tradition and reform is inspiring the current political climate of Wisconsin, how the peaceful and kind state has become a monster in the American political arena.
This book was fine. It was well-written in clear, easy prose that makes it a quick read. What I most enjoyed was that it gave me more ammunition to my disgust at the current way we treat unpopular, essentially non-metropolitan regions. Where people live is important. It defines their lives, and they should be able to feel proud of it. This book reminded me of the many reasons Wisconsin is a wonderful place.
As a budding anthropologist, I’m obsessed with the idea of place-making. Too often individuals fail to respect the importance and uniqueness of seemingly less desirable regions. In the United States, I am sometimes reluctant to answer where I’m from because most askers make some rude, rather stereotyped joke (“You’re from Wisconsin? Oh, I’m sorry!) when the response is anything but an East Coast metropolis or sunny California town. I understand that most people are joking; they give zero thought to what has been indoctrinated as an acceptable response, but in my studies of anthropology and personal experience, such degradation of smaller, less populated areas is harmful. So I loved this book because it provided a plethora of facts about why Wisconsinites and non-Wisconsinites alike should appreciate the state.
For example, author Erika Janik constructs this short history tome using a binary opposition: the dissonance between tradition and reform. Of course, this contradiction is not Wisconsin-specific, but it does seem to best define the state. In the corner of tradition, we learn that Wisconsin has the oldest state constitution in its original form (sans amendments) outside of New England and that Wisconsin founded many of the first environmental conservation movements, thus seeking to preserve the natural in lieu of the new. Yet Wisconsin is also immensely forward-thinking (the state’s motto is, unironically, “Forward”). Wisconsin is the birthplace of both the Republican party and Progressivism and it had the first large-scale electric use (in Appleton! where I grew up). These struggles between tradition and novelty led to many of the states’ interpersonal conflicts. The Yankees and Germans fought ferociously over state politics, although I’m unsure which group is the traditionalist here, and Protestants and Catholics argued over state morals and religion (strangely, the Protestants were the more uptight group and wanted to outlaw more personal liberties in the name of God and morality). It would take a bit of thought, but if I wanted to, I bet I could construct a thesis as to how this clash of tradition and reform is inspiring the current political climate of Wisconsin, how the peaceful and kind state has become a monster in the American political arena.
This book was fine. It was well-written in clear, easy prose that makes it a quick read. What I most enjoyed was that it gave me more ammunition to my disgust at the current way we treat unpopular, essentially non-metropolitan regions. Where people live is important. It defines their lives, and they should be able to feel proud of it. This book reminded me of the many reasons Wisconsin is a wonderful place.
July 23, 2016
This was a really good short history of Wisconsin, just as it says in it's title. I know about the history of Wisconsin from 3 main things: general things from US History, living here for a few years now, and hearing my wife talk about the history she learned from growing up going to school here. This book filled in a lot of gaps for me and made me realize why I love it here.
I think especially it is the unique combination of its immigrant past (and present) combined with its unique geography and climate that make Wisconsin so special. The author highlights this and much more. She never goes into too much detail, but gets some into the things that you would definitely want her to discuss.
This book should really be required reading for all high school students in Wisconsin.
I think especially it is the unique combination of its immigrant past (and present) combined with its unique geography and climate that make Wisconsin so special. The author highlights this and much more. She never goes into too much detail, but gets some into the things that you would definitely want her to discuss.
This book should really be required reading for all high school students in Wisconsin.
December 4, 2013
This is a short book that covers Wisconsin history very handily. Well-selected anecdotes bring history to life; the author is careful to point out Wisconsin's impact on the nation. Covers historical periods as well as other topical highlights, such as "Greening." Those struggling to understand the recent turn of events in Wisconsin politics may find some comfort here, for Wisconsin is no traditionalist haven, but has gone through significant change in its relatively short life and will continue to do so. Brief, but it will whet your appetite to learn more. A bibliographic essay closes out the volume. Use it to reacquaint yourself with the state we all love and be proud.
March 11, 2016
I loved this book. It covered all the major events that have happened in this great state and how Wisconsin came to be the way it is. It was very interesting to learn how Wisconsin influenced a lot of things nationally. I was also very surprised about some of the facts this book covered. I feel every resident of Wisconsin should read this book just so they know how we came to be what we are and what the residents went through to get to where we are.
December 11, 2010
Succinct yet comprehensive. Sometimes reads more like a a brief history of the U.S. rather than that of a particular state. However, with only 205 pages within which to tell the story of Wisconsin, Janik does manage to pack in some interesting tidbits.
December 30, 2012
Wisconsin is full of surprises, easily overlooked yet forerunner on so many societal, political, and environmental issues. The "Dairy State" should rebrand itself as "Muir Country"...
January 23, 2014
This was a good review of Wis. I really enjoyed the first half of the book...it's hard to believe how old this former Indian territory is.
August 12, 2016
Real quick, real easy read with a lot of good information that really enriches the experience of living in Wisconsin. Everyone who loves this state should probably take the time to read this book.
March 25, 2017
Interesting
I've lived in Wisconsin most of my life and I learned many interesting things about my state. I like how this book touches on every aspect of the history and daily life of the people of Wisconsin. Easy read.
I've lived in Wisconsin most of my life and I learned many interesting things about my state. I like how this book touches on every aspect of the history and daily life of the people of Wisconsin. Easy read.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews