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Historical Essay

Primary Elections in Wisconsin

Brief history of primary elections in Wisconsin.
Historical Essay

The History of Recall Elections in Wisconsin

Read an account of the history of recall elections in Wisconsin. This article also includes a Wisconsin recall timeline and citations of scholarly sources.
Historical Essay

Elections in Wisconsin

Brief history of elections in Wisconsin.
Historical Essay

Wisconsin's First Election

Creating the Wisconsin Territory
Discover the story of Wisconsin's first elections and how the state was divided into its present-day areas.
Historical Essay

Historic Changes in Wisconsin Primary Law

Learn about Robert M. La Follette's significant role in establishing the direct primary elections in Wisconsin.
Historical Essay

Origins of the Wisconsin Primary (presidential or state?)

Learn about Robert M. La Follette's efforts to instill primary elections in the Wisconsin political system, replacing bribery by party bosses.
Historical Essay

Punch Card Voting Device

Wisconsin Historical Museum Object – Feature Story
Votomatic punch card voting device used in Walworth County, Wisconsin, until 2000. (Museum object #2006.24.1)
Historical Essay

The Woman's Suffrage Movement

How Years of Failure led to Success
Discover the history of suffrage in Wisconsin, and how the state became the first to ratify the 19th amendment after many difficulties.
Classroom Material

Teach Wisconsin Civics with "Voices and Votes"

Teach civics in your 4th or 5th grade classroom with "Voices and Votes" from the Wisconsin Historical Society Press
Historical Essay

How Madison Became the Capital

Argument and an Unpopular Choice
Discover how Madison became the capitol city during the first Wisconsin territorial convention
Historical Essay

Robert M. La Follette

Governor and Progressive
Discover how Robert "Fighting Bob" La Follette and the Progressive Movement reformed state government and the Republican Party.
Historical Essay

Teddy Roosevelt Campaign Bandana

Wisconsin Historical Museum Object – Feature Story
Bandana featuring music score for campaign song "We Want Teddy," used at a Milwaukee campaign rally for Theodore Roosevelt, 1912. (Museum object #1970.204)
Historical Essay

The Progressive Era: 1895-1925

A Short History of Wisconsin
Historical Essay

"Fighting" Bob La Follette

Governor and Progressive
Discover how Robert "Fighting Bob" La Follette and the Progressive Movement reformed state government and the Republican Party.
Historical Essay

The Creation of Wisconsin Territory

A Plot of Land Becomes a City
Discover how Wisconsin went from a small part of a territory to a capital city.
Historical Essay

Democratic Party in Wisconsin

Brief history of the Democratic party in the state of Wisconsin.
Historical Essay

Milwaukee Sewer Socialism

How Wisconsin Became America's Most Socialist State
Discover how Milwaukee, Wisconsin became America's first Socialist city.
Historical Essay

Berger, Victor, 1860-1929

Symbol of Milwaukee Socialism
Learn about the man who was the symbol of Milwaukee Socialism. Read about his involvement in the newspaper business, politics, and his anti-war stance.
Historical Essay

How Madison Became a City

From Bear Hunting on the Capitol Square to a Fully-incorporated City
Discover how Madison went from a small village in 1836 to being organized and governed as a city in 20 years time
Historical Essay

The Mysterious Ballots of 1855

A Dishonest Democrat and a Radical Republican
Learn about the election that was so close that Wisconsin briefly had two governors until one was exposed for tampering with ballots.

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