United States History Commons^™

Viking 1991, Portland State University

The Viking (Yearbooks)

Portland State University 1991 yearbook

The Enigmatic Founder: Liberalism, Republicanism And The Thought Of James Madison, John S. Witherow

Dissertations and Theses

In the twentieth century the debate over the ideological origins of the founding period and early republic has resulted in a polarization of historical interpretations. Recently, the conflict has centered on historians who use either the liberal or classical republican paradigms to explain these eras. Scholars of the founding period have argued for the dominance of one political ideology or the other in the thought of important figures of this time. Unfortunately, this struggle has led to a narrow interpretation of arguably the greatest thinker in American History, James Madison. To the contrary, I hold Madison's thought was influenced by …

Viking 1990, Portland State University

The Viking (Yearbooks)

Portland State University 1990 yearbook

Book Review Of, As The Wind Rocks The Wagon, Darrell Millner

Black Studies Faculty Publications and Presentations

Reviews the book, "As the Wind Rocks the Wagon" by Amy Warner

Where Did The Nez Perces Go In Yellowstone In 1877?, William L. Lang

History Faculty Publications and Presentations

Examines the events surrounding the surrender of the Nez Perces tribe in the Nez Perce War of 1877 in Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. The tribe surrendered in Montana, only about 40 miles from the safety of the border with Canada, after allowing General Nelson A. Miles's troops to catch up while they spent two weeks in Yellowstone. Why the tribe made this stop, and what they did while in Yellowstone has puzzled historians. A popular explanation based on the testimony of a hostage of the tribe has been that the tribe became lost in Yellowstone, but a reconstruction of the …

A Survey Of Diplomatic And Commercial Relations Between The United States And Oman In Zanzibar, 1828-1856, Mohammed Al-Mukadam

Dissertations and Theses

Informal relations between American merchant traders and the Sultanate of Oman in the port of Zanzibar began with the landing of the first American merchants about 1828. At the same approximate time, Sultan Said bin Sultan moved his official residence from Muscat, Oman, to Zanzibar, underlining the importance of Zanzibar to the administration of his territories on the East African coast. Relations were formalized by the Treaty of 1833 between the United States and Oman, and the U.S. established a consular mission in Zanzibar in 1837 and in Muscat in 1838.

The growth of the Omani Empire under Sultan Said …

John Humphrey Noyes, 1811-1840: A Social Biography, Susan Adams Dubay

Dissertations and Theses

John Humphrey Noyes was the founder of the Oneida Community, one of the most successful utopian ventures in nineteenth-century America. Early in his life, Noyes was a deep religious thinker, but he founded Oneida as an ideal society based on extending the family unit, and not as a church. Noyes's social theories eventually overwhelmed his former religious concentration.

The purpose of this thesis is to locate in Noyes's religiously-oriented youth the sources of his social interests. Few scholars have studied in depth the childhood and young manhood of John Humphrey Noyes, but that is where the roots of his social …

Charles A. Broadwater And The Main Chance In Montana, William L. Lang

History Faculty Publications and Presentations

Charles A. Broadwater (1840-92), a Montana pioneer, exemplified many of the characteristics embodied in the myth of the self-made man. With no trade or special skills Broadwater migrated to the Deer Lodge Valley in 1862. He traded horses, homes, and cattle. As the gold boom spread, he entered the freighting business and soon became immersed in the commercial and political life of the territory. He married into a leading Helena family and, through connections with such eastern capitalists as James J. Hill, built a business empire. He did not seek elective office, but he was a power in the territorial …

The Study Of National Character In The Post War Era : The Work Of Erich Fromm, David Riesman, And David Potter, Adam Rittenberg

Dissertations and Theses

This thesis examines the study of national character through the work of the psychologist Erich Fromm, the sociologist David Riesman, and the historian David Potter. Above all Intend to provide a critical exegesis of the three thinkers will relate them to one another by discussing the Interconnections In their thought, beginning with Fromm's social psychological theory of character, turning to Riesman's theory of sociology and, finally, Potter's theory of American history. Each, I argue, must be studied in the context his time--above all the climate of horror and uncertainty at mid-century.

The American Naval Nightmare: Defending The Western Pacific, 1898-1922, Carlos R. Rivera

Dissertations and Theses

The subject of this work is the strategic problems faced by the United States Navy in the Western Pacific following the acquisition of the Philippine Islands as a result of the Spanish-American War. Using primary materials from the National Archives, Naval War College, and Library of Congress Manuscript Division, some of which have only recently been declassified, the rarely publicized 'Works of the United States Navy in regards to strategic planning and national interests are detailed. Secondary accounts, along with contemporary periodical literature, supplement the previously classified documents.

Spoils Of Statehood: Montana Communities In Conflict, 1888-1894, William L. Lang

History Faculty Publications and Presentations

Montana's political life in the 1890's was characterized by stalemate, uncompromising parochial demands, personal animosity, and corruption as local communities fought over the prizes of statehood. The major prize, the state capital, was won by Helena after a campaign featuring class and community antagonism, racist rhetoric, personal attacks, and vote buying. In the interests of local power brokers, the legislature created several units of higher education instead of establishing a consolidated university. The battles over the spoils of statehood created a pattern of cynicism and parochialism that continues to influence the state's political life.

The Cowlitz Corridor: The Passage Through Time, Margot Coleman Vaughan

Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to study the earliest recorded history of the Cowlitz River corridor, focusing on early exploration and settlement. The importance of the corridor as a major transportation route linking Puget Sound to the north and the Columbia Willamette waterways to the south is emphasized with primary source observations.

The study is based on both primary and secondary source materials housed in libraries throughout the Pacific Northwest and Canada. Among the sources include letters, journals, federal documents, periodicals, articles, drawings and monographs.

Saving The Yellowstone, William L. Lang

History Faculty Publications and Presentations

The Yellowstone River remains the only major free-flowing stream in the lower 48 states. Defenders of free-flowing status argue that benefits derived from maintaining the historic river surpass those gained through dams. The 1973 Montana Water Use Act placed water allocation in the state's hands, and the 1974 Yellowstone Moratorium gave the state three years to determine the Yellowstone's future. The Montana Fish and Game Department requested maintenance of the instream flow to protect the fisheries and the river, and the state Natural Resources board partially granted the request, thereby preventing dams on the Yellowstone.

Fort Ross: Russian Colony In California, 1811-1841, Kathryn E. Mitchell

Dissertations and Theses

The essential objective of this study was to fill a bibliographic void of secondary source material concerning Russian California. This was accomplished by combining available translations and more specific studies on the subject into one extensive work. Introductory chapters provide: (1) a brief statement regarding Russia's massive eastward expansion through Siberia, to Kamchatka and Alaska; (2) an examination of the nature of the Russian-American Company; and (3) a detailed look at the programs instituted by the Company to provision Alaska and Kamchatka. The establishment of Fort Ross in 1811 is viewed as one of those programs. The settlement's primary function …

American-Yugoslav Relations, 1941-1946, John Robert Oreskovich

Dissertations and Theses

This thesis deals with the diplomatic relations between Yugoslavia and the United States through the Second World War and the first few months following the end of the War. It follows in chronological order the events influencing American-Yugoslav relations. Emphasis is placed on the development of Yugoslav internal events and their political implications.

The German-Oregonians, 1850-1918, Roberta Lee Schmalenberger

Dissertations and Theses

Of all the foreign-born elements of Oregon's population, the German-born have been the most prominent in terms of size and continuity. At the turn of the century they were an organized and enterprising ethnic group that supported a German-language press, numerous social clubs and ethnic churches. The German-born contributed their share to the development of Oregon through men whose names are almost household words today: Meier and Frank, Weinhard, Dammasch, Villard and Weyerhaeuser. Yet for all of their visibility, the Germans in Oregon have not been remembered as a particular ethnic group.

The demise of a visible German culture in …

Justice Brennan And The Bill Of Rights, David B. Brownhill

Dissertations and Theses

The research problem examined in my thesis is stated clearly in the title: Justice Brennan and The Bill of Rights. In my examination, I relied primarily on Brennan's opinions, and secondarily, on scholarly commentaries authored by Brennan and others. I located the cases through a combination of sources. Initially, I consulted the Harvard Law Reviews' "Supreme Court Term, (1956-1981) Term(s)," which is published annually in its November edition, and then, I turned to the writings by, and about, Brennan my findings show that Brennan's approach in these cases has evolved over the years toward a more absolutist one.

One Path To Populism: Will Kennedy And The People's Party Of Montana, William L. Lang

History Faculty Publications and Presentations

Will Kennedy, the bright flash on Montana's Populist scene in the early 1890s, never dodged a political conflict, never avoided a public controversy, and never withheld his views. He was the persistent, often strident, and sometimes radical voice among those Montanans who accepted the label Populist. Some of his opponents called him a crank and many dismissed him as an eccentric, but it was difficult for them to ignore his accomplishments. Kennedy, almost singlehandedly, had crafted legislation that introduced the Australian ballot to Montana, coerced the territorial legislature to accept it, and followed that law with an effective electoral registration …

The Introduction Of European And Asian Cultural Materials On The Alaskan And Northwest Coasts Before 1800, Herbert Kyle Beals

Dissertations and Theses

This thesis concerns the introduction of exogenous cultural materials among the native inhabitants of the Alaskan and Northwest coasts prior to the and of the 18th century. It is an investigation of the sources of these materials and the manner and chronology of their introduction. The research is based primarily on data drawn from accounts of native life by explorers and fur traders who visited the coasts of northwestern North America in the 18th century. These accounts are supplemented by ethnologic and archaeologic data collected by anthropologists in the 19th and 20th centuries.

'At The Greatest Personal Peril To The Photographer': The Schwatka-Haynes Winter Expedition In Yellowstone, 1887, William L. Lang

History Faculty Publications and Presentations

Explorer Frederick Schwatka and photographer F. Jay Haynes led an expedition into Yellowstone National Park during January 1887, amid one of the worst winters in the northern Rocky Mountains. The party traveled by ski and snowshoe, but Schwatka suffered physical collapse and dropped out. Haynes and others continued through brutal weather at great personal peril and photographed the major geysers and scenic attractions. Includes biographical information on Schwatka and Haynes and photographs from the expedition.

Germany, Mexico, And The United States, 1911-1917, John Joseph Leffler

Dissertations and Theses

The thesis focuses on Germany's Mexican policies from 1911 to 1917, with particular attention given to the connection of these policies to political relations between the United States and Germany and between the United States and Mexico. The paper also attempts to place German activities in Mexico within the context of Germany's desire to promote its political and economic interests on a worldwide scale. Although some unpublished sources were consulted, the account relies mostly on published documents, memoirs, and secondary sources for its factual basis.

After a brief discussion of trends in German-Amercan relations during the years leading up to …

Log Structures : Criteria For Their Description, Evaluation And Management As Cultural Resources, Margaret L. Glover

Dissertations and Theses

This thesis discusses mining cabin sites from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as cultural resources. Special attention is given the concept of "description" in regards to discussion of the resource category, history, and physical attributes of the sites. Evaluation and management suggestions are presented for this particular resource category. To aid in the process of identification of log cabin notching, a typology of notches is developed and presented within the context of the thesis.

The Coming Of The Birdman: The Aviator's Image In Oregon, 1905-1915, Patrick John Harris

Dissertations and Theses

Between 1905 and 1915 the aeroplane was tested at exhibitions and became a practical machine. Some observers, however, greeted this technological marvel with ambivalence. Skeptics felt that if the aeroplane could alter common perceptions about natural laws, it might also challenge time honored ideals and attitudes about the nature of man.

In response, newspapers and magazines fashioned the aviator's image. The aviator was daring yet responsible, romantic yet reasonable.

Some writers and reporters believed that an aviator's self-confidence and high moral character contributed to control in the air. By controlling the aeroplane with mastery and grace, an aviator remained master …

Anna Held: A Biography, Michael Owen Hoffman

Dissertations and Theses

This thesis, a biography of the French actress, Anna Held (1873-1918), is an attempt to place her in proper perspective in American history. Essentially a record of Miss Held from birth to death, it highlights many events that made her famous. Included are examples of publicity generated by her manager-husband, Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr.

Much credit can be awarded Ziegfeld for his expertise in publicity stunts and promotion. Undue praise, however, has been attributed to him for the origin of the Ziegfeld Follies and the success of Anna Held.

Anna was a Continental success long before she met him. His promotion …

The French Connection In Early Oregon, Gregory Charles Rathbone

Dissertations and Theses

Many French-speaking people came to the Pacific Northwest. Although most came from Quebec, some traveled from as far away as France, Belgium and Switzerland. When they arrived in Oregon Territory, a juxtaposition of three cultures merged to form a unique French-speaking community governed by a dominant Western Anglo-American character and a living Indian culture for daily subsistence. Most importantly, the French brought their own traditions from Quebec and France. Also, French individuality became altered upon their arrival and through their necessity to adapt to the strange, unknown wilderness of the Pacific Northwest. Some changes came through the need for convenience, …

The Bungalow Aesthetic: The Social Implications Of A Nationwide Phenomenon Viewed From The Perspective Of A Small Town, Janice Williams Rutherford

Dissertations and Theses

During the first two decades of the twentieth century, a new aesthetic in the domestic architecture of middle-class America emerged. A new style of house, the bungalow, was introduced soon after the turn of the century, and within a very few years, became the most popular building style among Americans who were buying moderately-priced homes. The bungalow was a low, horizontal style of house with deep overhanging eaves and large porches, usually built of natural, textured materials. Its floor plan was notable for opening interior space. The research problem addressed in this study was to determine what factors popularized the …

Nordic Immigrants In Portland, 1870-1920 : The First Fifty Years, Janet Lynn Baisinger

Dissertations and Theses

Portland, Oregon had the potential in the 1870s to become the center of Nordic immigration to the Pacific Northwest. It was the primary urban center of the area, and the headquarters for Scandinavian mission work. In the 1870s, Nordics began to establish churches, clubs, lodges and newspapers. After the first fifty years, however, Portland's Nordic ethnicity was not as evident in the city's character as mere numbers might warrant.

Mission Of Protest : General John Armstrong's Response To The Continental System, 1806-1810, Thom M. Armstrong

Dissertations and Theses

Although not well known to students of American history today, General John Armstrong was, in his day, a prominent and colorful public figure. From 1804 to 1810, he held the difficult position of United States Minister to France at a time when the world was in upheaval resulting from the Napoleonic Ware. As Great Britain and France struggled for supremacy, the United States--the world's foremost neutral commercial power--was slowly, but inevitably, drawn into this struggle, becoming the victim of the hostile edicts of the two major belligerents, as they wantonly violated established practices of international law.

The Swamp Land Act In Oregon, 1870-1895, Richard Mark Pintarich

Dissertations and Theses

The Swamp Land Act of 1849, originally intended to give the state of Louisiana the unproductive swamplands within its borders and use the proceeds to construct the drains and levees necessary to reclaim these lands, was extended to Oregon in 1860. Oregon did not act on the matter until 1870, but once begun, it became a prolific source of political corruption, fiscal irresponsibility, fraud, and land speculation and monopolization. Even though the physiography of Oregon was much different than the states in the Mississippi Valley, millions of acres of "swampland" were filed upon and the state sold hundreds of thousands …

The Nearly Forgotten Blacks On Last Chance Gulch, 1900-1912, William L. Lang

History Faculty Publications and Presentations

Contemporary residents of the state capital of Montana are usually surprised to learn that at one time over 400 Afro-Americans made their homes in the city. A boomer mining camp in the 1860s, a financial and transportation center by the 1870s, the seat of territorial and state government. and reputedly the richest city per capita in the nation in 1911, Helena has a colorful past that is familiar to many; but few people know about the blacks on Last Chance Gulch. This essay examines the development of Helena's Afro-American community during the prosperous years after the turn of the century.