For too long, the American Midwest, a region vital to the nation’s story, has been overlooked or misrepresented in historical accounts. This heartland, often perceived as a simple flyover zone, was in fact a crucible of American democracy and progress during the nineteenth century. Jon K. Lauck’s groundbreaking book, The Good Country, seeks to rectify this historical oversight, placing the Midwest squarely at the center of America’s formative years and revealing its profound impact on the nation’s identity.
Lauck’s work champions the often-underestimated “squares” of the Midwest, highlighting their pivotal role in shaping a uniquely American ethos. His insightful analysis reveals the nineteenth-century Midwest as arguably the most democratically advanced society in the world. This was a region deeply invested in civic virtues, fostering a rich culture that celebrated education, literature, libraries, and the arts. It was a place where Victorian values, republican ideals, and Christian principles converged to create a stable social framework, and where democratic ideals were put into practice more effectively than perhaps anywhere else on earth at the time.
The Civil War further solidified the Midwest’s commitment to democratic values and regional identity, as it stood firmly against the slaveholding South. This “good country,” while not without its flaws, was characterized by a persistent drive towards progress. Lauck confronts the issue of race in the Midwest, acknowledging early instances of racism but also tracing a consistent trajectory towards racial equality. The region was also a site of meaningful social reforms, enacted through democratic processes to address specific challenges, and witnessed significant advancements for women, who actively participated in civic life and benefited from the Midwest’s pioneering openness to women in higher education.
Through balanced historical analysis, Lauck avoids the polarizing rhetoric of contemporary culture wars, instead advocating for a more equitable and nuanced understanding of the American past. The Good Country offers a refreshing perspective, finding common ground and historical insight in the very heart of the nation, reminding us of the enduring significance of the American Midwest to the country’s past, present, and future.
