Regions in Transition - by Rolland Dewing (Paperback)

About the Book

This is an in-depth analysis of the dramatic influence of the Great Depression upon the geography, politics, economics, and demography of the Northern Great Plains and Pacific Northwest. The author references evidence from local histories, on-site visits and interviews, schola...

Book Synopsis

Regions in Transition provides an in-depth analysis of the dramatic influence of the Great Depression upon the geography, politics, economics, and demography of the Northern Great Plains and Pacific Northwest. This work suggests that a foundation for the massive Pacific Northwest expansion during and after World War II was established by the late 1930s. In contrast, the Northern Great Plains had a surplus population and infrastructure by 1920. The twin 1930s disasters of economic collapse and the worst drought in recorded history forced hundreds of thousands to leave the plains, many of whom resettled in the Pacific Northwest. Regions in Transition examines how regional similarities in education and values eased this massive migration. Author Rolland Dewing, who participated in the Dust Bowl migration and has lived more than thirty years in each region, brings a unique voice to this history, which references evidence from local histories, on-site visits and interviews, scholarly research, government documents, and local newspapers.

Review Quotes

"Dr. Dewing's book is very well written, will keep your interest and will make you want to keep reading to learn more fascinating facts in the next chapter." --Journal Star

"a gem....Dewing skillfully describes the recurring droughts that plague the Northern Great Plains." --Western Historical Quarterly

"...an enjoyable read that whets one's appetite for more information on the history of these regions, and is interspersed with a plethora of facts and figures in the text (economic data, population statistics, climatological data, etc). SUMMING UP: RECOMMENDED. All levels/libraries." --B. C. Sarjeant, North Michigan University, Choice Reviews

About the Author

Rolland Dewing is Professor Emeritus of History at Chadron State College. He received his M.A. from Central Washington State College and his Ph.D. from Ball State University. He is the author of Wounded Knee: The Meaning and Significance of the Second Incident and numerous journal articles and reviews.