The University of Wisconsin: A History, 1925-1945- Politics, Depression and War

This third volume of history of University of Wisconsin, Politics, Depression, and War, 1925 continues history of famous institution that has become today's University of Wisconsin Madison. It carries story forward from 1925 to end of World War II, as University was planning for post-war influx of returning veterans. Volumes I and II, by Professors Merle Curti and Vernon Carstensen, were published in 1949 as part of University's centennial celebration. In Volume III, E. David Cronon and John W. Jenkins provide a lively and readable account of significant political, social, and educational transformations between 1925 and 1945, emphasizing effect of Wisconsin's partisan politics on University, growth of faculty's role in institutional governance, development of close-knit faculty and student communities, and ways in which University maintained and even enhanced its scholarly reputation in a difficult era of history. The authors also look at expansion of University outreach activities, especially development of a major instructional center in Milwaukee (later to become University of Wisconsin Milwaukee), extension centers throughout state, and new medium of educational broadcasting through university station, WHA, considered the oldest station in nation. Read alone or in conjunction with first two volumes, this is a thorough and absorbing history for anyone interested in this remarkable institution. Current faculty, alumni, students, and Wisconsin residents will find here a wealth of information enhanced by many historical photographs. An engaging additional feature are cartoons, caricatures, and sketches from student publications that reveal a student perspective on people and events of period.