New Books in Sociology Samuel Western, "The Spirit of 1889: Restoring the Lost Promise of the High Plains and Northern Rockies" (UP of Kansas)
May 27, 2025
In this engaging discussion, journalist and educator Samuel Western shares insights from his work, including his recent book. He dives into the transformative year of 1889, revealing how progressive values once flourished in the American West, such as women’s voting rights and anti-monopoly laws. Western explores the contradiction between those ideals and today's hyper-individualism, advocating for a shift toward sustainable agriculture and community stewardship. It's a thought-provoking examination of history, politics, and the potential for change in the High Plains and Northern Rockies.
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Western's Journey to the West
- Samuel Western describes his journey from New England to the American West, moving through Alaska and Oregon before settling in Wyoming.
- His reporting for The Economist and other outlets deepened his engagement with Western institutions and politics.
Spirit of 1889 Explained
- The "Spirit of 1889" combines libertarianism, concern for the common good, and inclusivity, shaping the political culture of new Western states.
- This ethos was embedded in the constitutions of states carved from the Dakota Territory, blending individual rights with community values.
Pragmatic 1889 State Constitutions
- The 1889 new Western states were poor and pragmatically designed their constitutions to attract settlers inclusively, welcoming diverse groups like Hutterites and Mennonites.
- Constitutions emphasized public education, limited corporate power, and created structures supporting rural commodity economies.