Writer's Block | November 20th, 2015
On Thursday, Dec. 3, Zandbroz Variety will host author Michael Lansing in a reading and signing of his latest book, “Insurgent Democracy: The Nonpartisan League in North American Politics,” published this year by the University of Chicago Press. This nonfiction book chronicles the rise and decline of the Nonpartisan League, which was formed by North Dakota farmers in 1915 in an attempt to give power back to workers and rise above corporate and political authority.
The League, led by organizer A.C. Townley, was in favor of state ownership over banks, mills, and insurances, as well as suffrage for women, better regulation of public services, and easier access to education and healthcare, which were all instituted by Gov. Lynn J. Frazier. The League maintained control over North Dakota’s state government, and went on to spread to 13 states and two Canadian provinces. At its peak, the organization had over 250,000 paying members.
However, public opinion turned against the League when members were accused of opposing American participation in World War I. After the war ended, western North Dakota was hit with a drought, while grain prices dropped and the economy suffered. Finally, in 1921, a recall election removed Gov. Frazier from his position, and the League was subsequently disbanded.
Unfortunately, this time in history has been overlooked and even forgotten by historians, and is rarely taught in school. With “Insurgent Democracy,” Lansing relates this story as an example of how an ordinary group of citizens can create social reform through dedicated activism and assembly, and opens the floor for discussion on how it relates to modern politics.
Robert D. Johnston, author of “The Radical Middle Class,” described Lansing’s book as "beautifully written, deeply researched and compellingly argued… This book will be one of the most important rural, western and American political histories to emerge for some time.”
IF YOU GO:
Thursday, December 3
7:00 PM
Zandbroz Variety 420 Broadway N Fargo, ND
Admission is free
June 19th 2025
June 19th 2025
June 19th 2025
April 22nd 2025
February 21st 2025
__293px-wide.jpg)
_(1)__293px-wide.jpg)
__293px-wide.jpg)
By Alicia Underlee Nelsonalicia@hpr1.comDairy Queen restaurants across the country will raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals during Miracle Treat Day on Thursday, July 31. At least one dollar from every Blizzard…
By Alicia Underlee Nelsonalicia@hpr1.comFM Pride Week returns to the Fargo-Moorhead metro August 3-10. A snapshot of events are listed below. Discover event descriptions and locations as well as volunteer opportunities online at…
Monday, August 11Fargo Theatre, 314 N. Broadway, Fargo “Saw The Musical” premiered Off-Broadway in the Fall of 2023, parodying the events of the first “Saw” film. It has been described as “a love story with fluidity (and…
By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.com On July fourth, Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest took place at Coney Island. The winners, Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo, reigned victorious. Chestnut earned his 17th title by…
By Ed Raymondfargogadfly@gmail.comReagan laughed and quipped — but it has come true under our CEOPresident Reagan thought he was joking when he spoke to a 1980s political rally: “The nine most terrifying words in the English…
By Rick Gionrickgion@gmail.com Holiday wine shopping shouldn’t have to be complicated. But unfortunately it can cause unneeded anxiety due to an overabundance of choices. Don’t fret my friends, we once again have you covered…
By Rick Gion and Simone Wairickgion@gmail.com The Red River Market returned to downtown Fargo on Saturday, July 12. The event will take place every Saturday except July 19. (That date will be moved to Sunday, July 20, due to the…
By Alicia Underlee Nelsonalicia@hpr1.comThe Moorhead Public Library will offer three free, all-ages outdoor concerts featuring regional bands this summer. The series begins on June 12 with the Meat Rabbits, a group that blends…
By Greg Carlsongregcarlson1@gmail.com The wildly talented and ambitious Zach Cregger drags us back to the basement in “Weapons,” one of the year’s most satisfying and enjoyable films of any genre. While fans of…
Press ReleaseTouchmark at Harwood Groves will host a special artist reception featuring renowned glass artist Jon Offutt on Tuesday, July 29, at 2:00 p.m. in the community’s auditorium. The event celebrates Offutt’s temporary…
Alicia Underlee Nelsonalicia@hpr1.comPenn & Teller are returning to their roots. The legendary magic and comedy duo will appear on the Crown Stage at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival in Shakopee, Minnesota, where they first…
By Annie Prafckeannieprafcke@gmail.com AUSTIN, Texas – As a Chinese-American, connecting to my culture through food is essential, and no dish brings me back to my mother’s kitchen quite like hotdish. Yes, you heard me right –…
By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.comNew Jamestown Brewery Serves up Local FlavorThere’s something delicious brewing out here on the prairie and it just so happens to be the newest brewery west of the Red River and east of the…
By Alicia Underlee Nelsonalicia@hpr1.comCaregivers for school-aged children and teenagers are encouraged to bring them to back-to-school immunization clinics scheduled for every Tuesday in August. Fargo Cass Public Health (FCPH)…
By Alicia Underlee NelsonProtests against President Trump’s policies and the cuts made by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are planned across North Dakota and western Minnesota Friday, April 4 and…
By Vern Thompsonvern.thompson@rocketmail.com Working in the Bakken oil fields of the Williston Basin is so different from my home in Fargo. I'm not judging, because the people working and living in western North Dakota are very…