Prairie Republic: Political Culture of Dakota Territory 1879-1889 by John Lauke 

Prairie Republic corrects an overemphasis on class conflict and economic determinism, factors posited decades ago by such historians as Howard R. Lamar. Instead, Lauck finds South Dakota’s political founders to be agents of Protestant Christianity and of civic republicanism—an age-old ideology that entrusted the polity to independent, landowning citizens who placed the common interest above private interest. Focusing on the political culture widely shared among settlers attracted to the Great Dakota Boom of the 1880s, Lauck shows how they embraced civic virtue, broad political participation, and agrarian ideals. Family was central in their lives, as were common-school education, work, and Christian community.

302 pages

ISBN: ‏ 0806167378

About the author: John K. Lauck received his Ph.D. in economic history from the University of Iowa and his law degree from the University of Minnesota. He is currently adjunct professor of history at the University of South Dakota, senior advisor and counsel to Senator John Thune, and associate editor and book review editor. 

Image description: The cover features a black-and-white photograph of a crowded street scene from the era, complete with people in period clothing, horse-drawn carriages, and storefronts. The title and subtitle are printed at the top of the cover, and the author's name is printed in the left bottom corner.