Published In

Montana: The Magazine of Western History

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-1987

Subjects

Statehood (American politics), Montana -- History

Abstract

Montana's political life in the 1890's was characterized by stalemate, uncompromising parochial demands, personal animosity, and corruption as local communities fought over the prizes of statehood. The major prize, the state capital, was won by Helena after a campaign featuring class and community antagonism, racist rhetoric, personal attacks, and vote buying. In the interests of local power brokers, the legislature created several units of higher education instead of establishing a consolidated university. The battles over the spoils of statehood created a pattern of cynicism and parochialism that continues to influence the state's political life.

Description

This is the publisher's final PDF. Article appears in Montana: The Magazine of Western History copyright 1987 Montana Historical Society

Persistent Identifier

http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/8742

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