Turning Points
in Wisconsin History
Wisconsin newspapers take a stand on the Bennett Law, 1889.
Bennett Law, Wisconsin, 1889-1890, newspaper clippings
In 1888, Assemblyman Michael Bennett of Dodgeville introduced a bill requiring stricter enforcement of attendance in both public and private schools and requiring the use of English in all schools. The Bennett Law ignited fierce debate throughout Wisconsin. Opponents, primarily German Americans, saw the law as an assault on German culture and an attempt by Yankees to impose their values on all Wisconsin residents. Some supporters did indeed see the law as a way to wipe out foreign influences, while more moderate advocates argued that assimilation was inevitable and essential to the success of immigrant children. Much of the debate was carried on in newspapers and these articles highlight the incendiary feelings the Bennett Law aroused on both sides of the issue.
| Related Topics: |
The Progressive Era Americanization and the Bennett Law |
| Creator: | Various |
| Pub Data: | Excerpts from a scrapbook with the title, Bennett Law, Wisconsin, 1889-1890, Newspaper Clippings in the Wisconsin Historical Society Library rare book collection (BV629 S37). |
| Citation: | Cite the bibliographic data shown on the specific article, followed by "In a scrapbook with the title "Bennett Law, Wisconsin, 1889-1890, Newspaper Clippings." in the Wisconsin Historical Society Library; Online facsimile at: http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/turningpoints/search.asp?id=727; Visited on: 4/24/2024 |
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