Life and Books and Everything cover image

Life and Books and Everything

In Appreciation of Stickiness and the Midwest with Jon Lauck

Mar 8, 2023
Jon Lauck, Professor at the University of South Dakota, discusses his book about the Midwest. They explore Midwest stereotypes, its future, cultural characteristics, race relations, education, and the power of being rooted in a community.
01:06:49

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Midwest in the 19th century emphasized democratic values, Christian principles, and literacy, striving to build a moral and virtuous society.
  • Being stuck in a place in the Midwest was viewed positively, fostering strong connections and a sense of purpose.

Deep dives

The Midwest in the 19th Century: Democratic, Christian, and Literate

The Midwest in the 19th century was characterized by a strong emphasis on democratic values, Christian principles, and literacy. The region was committed to building a constitutional order based on these principles and creating a moral and virtuous society. Education played a significant role, with land grant universities being established to promote practical education and research. The Midwest also saw a rise in social reform, with movements calling for rate setting commissions and antitrust laws. While there were flaws in race relations, there was progress, and the region was known for its integrated schools and churches. Overall, the Midwest sought to teach men to behave and cultivate a sense of community and civic responsibility.

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