History of Wisconsin Volume IV: The Progressive Era 1893-1914

By John D. Buenker

This volume describes reforms relating to politics, voting, education, workplace, women and children, and minorities. What came to be called "the Progressive Era" was in many respects the most important in Wisconsin's modern history. It was during this era that "the Wisconsin Idea" was articulated, making Wisconsin known nationally and internationally as a "laboratory of democracy." The volume also describes the sweeping changes that occurred in Wisconsin's agricultural communities and industry and manufacturing sectors during this time.