Turning Points
in Wisconsin History
Tommy Thompson and the Conservative Revolution
As Wisconsin's economy expanded in the 1950s and 1960s, factories re-opened, cities flourished, and suburbs sprouted on land that had once been farming fields. After the demise of the Progressive Party in 1946, most of its members joined the Democratic Party. After Wisconsin Democrats reached their electoral peak in the 1970s, a major political shift began to take shape. As postwar economic prosperity gave way to sluggish economic growth and inflation, a new generation of conservative leaders with different ideas about the role and place of government in daily life rose to power.
The 1970s inflicted several blows to American confidence.... more...
Original Documents and Other Primary Sources
 | The Department of Public Instruction explains the purpose of academic standards (1999) |
| A parent's guide to model academic standards (1999) |
| Governor Thompson introduces Model Academic Standards, 1997 |
| Governor Thompson introduces school choice, 1989 |
| Governor Thompson delivers his final State of the State, 2001 |
 | A report on W-2 programs seeks to improve education and training, 1998 |
| Governor Thompson introduces "the end of welfare" in 1996 |
 | Sen. William Proxmire uncovers wasteful government spending, 1975-1987 |
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