Cultivating Regionalism: Higher Education and the Making of the American Midwest

The Author Explores The Nineteenth-century American Midwest Through The Examination Of The Small Colleges Which Helped Cultivate Regional Identity. These Colleges Were Different Than Their Counterparts In The East And South And Included Such Things As Manual Labor Programs. In Addition The Coeducation Of Men And Women At These Schools Enhanced Gender Norms Throughout The Region. According To The Author Students Emerging From These Colleges Shaped The Progressive Era And Many Took Up Scientific Investigation As An Expression Of Their Training.