What are the common alternative names for the Midwestern United States?

The Midwestern United States is also commonly referred to as the Midwest, the Heartland, or the American Midwest.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, what is the official designation for the Midwestern region?

The U.S. Census Bureau officially designated the region as the North Central Region until 1984.

How many states comprise the U.S. Census Bureau's definition of the Midwest?

The U.S. Census Bureau's definition of the Midwest includes 12 states.

What is the total land area of the Midwestern United States as defined by the Census Bureau?

The total area of the Midwest is 750,522 square miles (1,943,840 square kilometers).

What was the population of the Midwest according to the 2020 United States Census?

The population of the Midwest was 68,995,685 according to the 2020 census.

How does the U.S. Census Bureau divide the Midwest region?

The Midwest is divided into two divisions: the East North Central Division and the West North Central Division.

Which states are included in the East North Central Division?

The East North Central Division includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

Which states are included in the West North Central Division?

The West North Central Division includes Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, and South Dakota.

What is the most populous city in the American Midwest?

Chicago is the most populous city in the American Midwest and the third-most populous city in the United States.

What is the largest metropolitan area in the Midwest, and what is its approximate population?

Chicago and its suburbs, collectively known as Chicagoland, form the largest metropolitan area in the Midwest with approximately 10 million people. This makes it the fourth-largest metropolitan area in North America.

What were the earliest known cultures in North America present in the Midwest?

Paleo-American cultures were the earliest in North America, with a presence in the Great Lakes and Great Plains areas from about 12,000 BCE to 8,000 BCE.

What were the major periods of Native American cultural development in the Midwest following the Paleo-American period?

Following the Paleo-American period were the Archaic period (8,000 BCE to 1,000 BCE), the Woodland Tradition (1,000 BCE to 100 CE), and the Mississippian Period (900 to 1500 CE).

What were the primary crops cultivated by Mississippian peoples in the Midwest?

Mississippian peoples primarily cultivated maize (corn), beans, and squash, which formed the basis of their agricultural complex.

What significant geological feature is associated with the Mississippian culture in the Midwest?

The Mississippian period was characterized by a mound-building culture, with Monks Mound at Cahokia Mounds near Collinsville, Illinois, being the largest Precolumbian earthwork north of Mesoamerica and a World Heritage Site.

What major tribes inhabited the Great Lakes region of the Midwest?

Major tribes of the Great Lakes region included the Huron, Ottawa, Ojibwe, Potawatomi, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sauk, Meskwaki, Neutrals, and Miami.

Which Great Lakes tribes spoke Algonquian languages, and which spoke a Siouan language?

Most tribes in the Great Lakes region spoke Algonquian languages, such as the Huron, Ottawa, Ojibwe, Potawatomi, Sauk, Meskwaki, Neutrals, and Miami. The Ho-Chunk of Wisconsin are an exception, speaking a Siouan language.

How did Plains Indians typically live and sustain themselves?

Plains Indians were often nomadic, following bison herds, and also engaged in agriculture, growing crops like tobacco and corn. They lived in easily disassembled tipis and utilized horses extensively after their introduction, which greatly aided hunting and warfare.

What is the "Middle Ground" theory as described by Richard White, and what geographical area does it primarily cover in the Midwest?

Richard White's "Middle Ground" theory describes the historical space between European colonial powers and Indigenous peoples in the Great Lakes region, characterized by mutual accommodation and common meanings. It specifically designates the lands bordering rivers flowing into the northern Great Lakes and south of the lakes to the Ohio River, encompassing modern Midwestern states like Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

What was the significance of the 1673 expedition by Marquette and Jolliet?

The expedition by Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet was the first to map the northern portion of the Mississippi River, confirming a water route from the St. Lawrence River through the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico and noting the region's resources and friendly native peoples.

What role did marriage play in the French fur trade in the Midwest?

Marriage between French traders and Indigenous women was an important aspect of the fur trade, helping secure safety, facilitating the processing of pelts, and establishing alliances. Indian women's contributions were vital to the success of the trade.

How did British traders compete with the French in the Midwest fur trade?

English and later British traders competed by offering better goods and rates than the French, which the Indigenous peoples leveraged to their advantage. This competition was fueled by the demand for certain kinds of cloth.

What led to unrest among Indigenous peoples under British rule after the Seven Years' War, culminating in Pontiac's War?

Unrest was caused by the British attempt to establish a more assertive relationship, eliminating gift-giving, offering less favorable trade terms, increasing prices, and reducing the amount of rum traded, which had been a consistent part of the trade for years.

What was the significance of the Louisiana Purchase for the Midwest?

The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 transferred the territory west of the Mississippi River from France to the United States, significantly expanding U.S. territory and influence in the region.

What was the "squatter" phenomenon in the Midwest during the late 18th century?

Squatters were settlers without legal claims who moved into the Midwest, often pushing down the Ohio River before land was officially opened for settlement, sometimes leading to conflicts with Native Americans. British officials viewed them as lawless and difficult to control.

How did the U.S. government address the issue of squatters in the newly acquired territories?

Initially, the government sent soldiers to destroy squatter settlements. However, policies evolved to legalize settlements through land speculation, public land auctions, land grants to veterans, and preemption rights, ultimately allowing squatters to purchase the lands they occupied.

What was "Bleeding Kansas," and what was its immediate cause?

"Bleeding Kansas" refers to the violent conflicts between anti-slavery Free-Staters and pro-slavery Border Ruffians in the Kansas Territory between 1854 and 1858. The immediate cause was the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, which allowed settlers to decide on the issue of slavery through popular sovereignty.

What was the significance of the Northwest Ordinance regarding slavery in the Midwest?

The Northwest Ordinance region, which formed the heart of the Midwest, was the first large region in the United States to prohibit slavery.

How did the Underground Railroad operate in the Midwest?

The Underground Railroad utilized meeting points, secret routes, transportation, and safe houses, primarily through Midwestern states like Ohio, to assist escaped slaves crossing the Ohio River and heading north towards Canada.

What role did German immigrants play in the industrialization and cultural development of Midwestern cities?

German immigrants were a major force in settling Midwestern cities like Milwaukee, Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Chicago. They contributed significantly to the economy through skilled labor, entrepreneurship (especially in brewing), and cultural traditions, including music.

What was the "Wisconsin Idea," and what reforms did it encompass?

The "Wisconsin Idea" was a progressive reform movement, championed by figures like Robert M. La Follette Sr., that aimed to expand democracy and use experts to solve societal problems. Reforms included direct primaries, campaign finance controls, civil service, restrictions on lobbyists, state income and inheritance taxes, child labor restrictions, pure food laws, and workmen's compensation.

What impact did the Great Migration have on Midwestern cities?

The Great Migration of African Americans from the South to Midwestern cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland drastically changed their demographics, leading to increased populations in urban areas, but also contributing to segregation, racial violence, and white flight to suburbs.

What are the primary agricultural products of the Midwest, and why is the region known as the nation's "breadbasket"?

The Midwest's fertile soil allows for abundant harvests of grain and cereal crops, including corn, wheat, soybeans, oats, and barley, making it known as the nation's "breadbasket" due to its highly productive agricultural output.

What innovation by John Deere was crucial for farming the Midwestern prairies?

John Deere's development of a steel moldboard plow in 1837 was crucial because it was stronger than wooden plows and could cut through the prairie's tough roots and soil, making the fertile land ready for farming.

What is the "Corn Belt," and which states are typically included?

The Corn Belt is a region in the Midwest where corn has been the predominant crop since the 1850s. It typically includes Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, southern Michigan, western Ohio, eastern Nebraska, eastern Kansas, southern Minnesota, and parts of Missouri.

How did Chicago become a major financial center?

Chicago became a major financial center due to its role as a railroad hub, the establishment of the Chicago Board of Trade in 1848 (which listed the first standardized futures contracts), and its hosting of major financial exchanges like the CME Group and the Chicago Board Options Exchange.

What significant role did Henry Ford and the automotive industry play in Detroit and the Midwest?

Henry Ford's innovations, such as the movable assembly line, established Detroit as the world's automotive center. This spurred the growth of related industries throughout the Midwest, including parts manufacturing and rubber production in Akron, Ohio.

What musical genres or styles originated or were significantly developed in the Midwest?

The Midwest was influential in the development of genres like the Motown Sound and techno in Detroit, house music in Chicago, and the Minneapolis sound. It also played a key role in the popularization of rock and roll, Chicago blues, and jazz.

What is "heartland rock," and which Midwestern artists are associated with it?

Heartland rock is a style of rock music characterized by lyrical themes focusing on and appealing to the Midwestern working class. Artists associated with this genre include Bob Seger, John Mellencamp, and Warren Zevon.

What is the significance of the Iowa caucuses in the U.S. presidential nominating process?

The Iowa caucuses, held in early January of leap years, are the first votes cast in the presidential nominating process for both major parties and attract significant media attention, influencing the early stages of presidential campaigns.

How did the U.S. Census Bureau's definition of the Midwest evolve, and what are its two main divisions?

The U.S. Census Bureau officially named the region the North Central Region until 1984. It is divided into the East North Central Division (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin) and the West North Central Division (Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota).

What is the "Northern Cities Vowel Shift," and where is it observed?

The Northern Cities Vowel Shift is a linguistic phenomenon where the pronunciation of vowels changes in specific cities. It is currently observed in many cities within the Great Lakes region of the Midwest, moving away from standard pronunciations.

What is the "Middletown studies," and what city served as its basis?

The Middletown studies were pioneering sociological studies conducted in Muncie, Indiana, starting in 1929. They influenced the perception of Midwestern cities as being "typical" of the United States.

What role did the Ohio River play in the development and historical divisions of the Midwest?

The Ohio River served as a significant waterway for settlement and transportation, and historically acted as a boundary between the North and South, and between the Midwest and the Upper South.

What is the "Middle Ground" theory in the context of the Great Lakes region's history?

The "Middle Ground" refers to the historical space between European colonial powers and Indigenous peoples in the Great Lakes region, characterized by a complex process of cultural exchange, negotiation, and adaptation, existing in the period between European invasion and eventual American dominance.

What were the primary motivations for European exploration and settlement in the Midwest, particularly by the French?

French exploration and settlement were primarily driven by the lucrative fur trade, the search for a Northwest Passage to the Pacific, and the establishment of trading posts and alliances with Indigenous peoples.

How did the development of transportation, particularly canals and railroads, impact the Midwest's economy and connectivity?

The development of waterways like the Ohio River and the Great Lakes, connected by canals such as the Erie Canal and the Illinois and Michigan Canal, created vital shipping routes. Railroads further enhanced connectivity, making Chicago a major national railroad hub and facilitating the movement of goods and people, which spurred industrial growth and urbanization.

What was the significance of the "Yankee" settlers in the upper Midwest?

Yankee settlers, originating from New England, were among the earliest to arrive in the northern Midwest. They established a public culture emphasizing work ethic, property rights, education, and civic order, transplanting many New England institutions and values.

How did the political landscape of the Midwest evolve from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century?

After the Civil War, the Midwest became a battleground for political and economic issues, with voting patterns often influenced by ethnic and religious lines. Movements like temperance, Greenbackism, and Populism gained traction, and the region was a key area for the Progressive movement and later, isolationist sentiments.

What impact did immigration have on the Midwest's cultural and economic development?

Immigration, particularly from Germany, Ireland, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe, significantly shaped the Midwest's cultural and economic landscape. Immigrants settled in both urban centers and rural areas, contributing to industrial growth, agricultural development, and diverse cultural traditions, including music and religious practices.

What is the "Midwest" definition used by the U.S. Census Bureau, and how is it divided?

The U.S. Census Bureau defines the Midwest as comprising 12 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. It is divided into the East North Central Division (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin) and the West North Central Division (Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota).

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Defining the Midwest

Census Bureau Designation

The Midwestern United States, commonly referred to as the Midwest or the American Heartland, is officially designated as one of the four census regions by the United States Census Bureau. It encompasses the northern central portion of the nation, situated between the Northeastern and Western United States, bordered by Canada to the north and the Southern United States to the south. Historically, it was known as the North Central Region until 1984.

Geographic Scope

The Census Bureau's definition comprises twelve states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. This region largely occupies the vast Interior Plain, stretching between the Appalachian Mountains to the east and the Rocky Mountains to the west. Key waterways defining the region include the Ohio River, the Upper Mississippi River, and the Missouri River.

Demographics and Area

As per the 2020 Census, the population of the Midwest stood at 68,995,685 individuals. The region covers a substantial area of approximately 750,522 square miles (1,943,840 km²), resulting in a population density of about 92 persons per square mile (35 per km²). The region is further divided into two divisions: the East North Central (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin) and the West North Central (Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota).

Major Urban Centers

The Midwest is home to several of the nation's largest metropolitan areas and cities. Chicago, Illinois, stands as the most populous city in the region and the third most populous in the U.S. Other significant urban centers include Detroit, Minneapolis–St. Paul, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Columbus, Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Milwaukee. These cities serve as vital hubs for commerce, industry, and culture.

State Statistics

The following table provides key demographic and area data for the states comprising the Midwestern United States, based on the 2020 Census and historical data:

State	2020 Census Population	2010 Census Population	Population Change	Area (sq mi)	Density (/sq mi)
Iowa	3,190,369	3,046,355	+4.73%	55,857.09 (144,669.2 km²)	57 (22/km²)
Kansas	2,937,880	2,853,118	+2.97%	81,758.65 (211,753.9 km²)	36 (14/km²)
Missouri	6,154,913	5,988,927	+2.77%	68,741.47 (178,039.6 km²)	90 (35/km²)
Nebraska	1,961,504	1,826,341	+7.40%	76,824.11 (198,973.5 km²)	26 (10/km²)
North Dakota	779,094	672,591	+15.83%	69,000.74 (178,711.1 km²)	11 (4/km²)
South Dakota	886,667	814,180	+8.90%	75,810.94 (196,349.4 km²)	12 (5/km²)
Great Plains Division Total	15,910,427	15,201,512	+4.66%	427,993.00 (1,108,496.8 km²)	37 (14/km²)

Geographic Landscape

Interior Plains and Lowlands

The Midwest is predominantly characterized by the vast Interior Plains, a landscape of low, flat to rolling terrain. The eastern two-thirds of this area constitute the Interior Lowlands, generally situated below 1,500 feet (460 m) above sea level. This region's topography is highly conducive to agriculture, supporting extensive farming operations.

Prairies and Great Plains

As one moves westward, the Interior Lowlands gradually ascend into the Great Plains, where elevations can exceed 5,000 feet (1,500 m). Historically, this area was dominated by prairies, with distinct types—tallgrass, mixed-grass, and shortgrass—corresponding to regional rainfall patterns. Today, these areas are largely dedicated to agriculture, particularly corn, soybeans, and wheat cultivation.

Topographical Variations

While much of the Midwest is characterized by gentle topography, notable exceptions exist. The eastern portion exhibits rolling hills near the Appalachian foothills. The Great Lakes Basin presents unique features, including the rugged uplands along the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota, part of the Canadian Shield. Additionally, the Ozark Mountains in southern Missouri and the eroded Driftless Area in the tri-state region of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois offer more varied terrain.

Hydrology and Waterways

The region's development has been significantly shaped by its extensive river systems. The Ohio River, flowing into the Mississippi, and the Missouri River, which joins the Mississippi, are critical arteries. The Great Lakes—Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario—form another vital waterway, connecting the region to the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Lawrence Seaway and facilitating trade and transportation since the opening of canals like the Erie Canal and the Illinois and Michigan Canal.

Historical Trajectory

Pre-Columbian Era

Prior to European arrival, the Midwest was inhabited by various Indigenous peoples. The Mississippian culture, flourishing from approximately 900 to 1500 CE, was notable for its complex agricultural societies and mound-building practices, centered around maize, beans, and squash. Major centers, like Cahokia near modern-day St. Louis, indicate sophisticated social and political organization. Following this period, various Algonquian and Siouan language tribes, including the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, Ho-Chunk, and Sioux, inhabited the Great Lakes and Plains areas.

European Exploration and Settlement

French explorers and traders, establishing New France in the 17th century, initiated European presence, particularly through the fur trade and the development of the "middle ground" concept—a zone of mutual accommodation between French and Indigenous peoples. Key figures like Marquette and Jolliet mapped the Mississippi River system. British influence grew following the Seven Years' War, leading to competition and conflict, such as Pontiac's War. The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 transferred vast territories to the United States, paving the way for American settlement.

Westward Expansion and Conflict

American settlement accelerated in the 19th century, often facilitated by land policies and westward migration routes. The Northwest Ordinance laid the groundwork for territorial organization. Conflicts with Native American tribes, such as St. Clair's Defeat and the subsequent Native American Wars, marked this period. The issue of slavery deeply divided the region, particularly evident in the violent clashes of "Bleeding Kansas" between pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers, foreshadowing the Civil War.

Civil War Era: The Midwest, largely free of slavery (with Missouri as a border state), played a crucial role in the Union cause. The Underground Railroad actively utilized routes through the region to aid escaped slaves.
Industrialization & Immigration: The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed massive industrial growth, fueled by European immigration (particularly German, Irish, and Scandinavian) and advancements in transportation like railroads and canals. Cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland became industrial powerhouses.
Progressive Era & Labor: The region was a crucible for progressive political reforms and labor movements, addressing the challenges of industrialization and urbanization. Figures like Jane Addams and Robert M. La Follette championed social reform and government regulation.
20th Century: The Midwest continued to be a center for manufacturing and agriculture, experiencing significant demographic shifts due to the Great Migration of African Americans and evolving economic landscapes.

Industrialization and Transportation

The Midwest became the industrial heartland of America, driven by its abundant natural resources, strategic waterways, and extensive railroad networks. Chicago emerged as a major railroad hub, while Detroit became the global center of the automotive industry. Innovations in manufacturing, pioneered by figures like Henry Ford, transformed the region's economy and landscape. The development of canals and the Great Lakes shipping routes further cemented the Midwest's role as a critical nexus for national commerce.

Cultural Tapestry

Immigrant Influence

The cultural identity of the Midwest is deeply interwoven with the contributions of diverse immigrant groups. German immigrants, in particular, established significant communities in cities like Milwaukee, Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Chicago, influencing local industries, politics, and social life. Scandinavian, Irish, Polish, and other European immigrants also shaped the region's character, contributing to its distinct cultural mosaic.

Literary and Artistic Heritage

The region's landscapes and social dynamics have inspired significant literary and artistic works. Mark Twain's classic novels, such as "Life on the Mississippi" and "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," capture the essence of Midwestern river life. The region's history of social reform, industrial change, and rural life has provided rich subject matter for artists and writers, reflecting the American experience.

Political Landscape

Historically, the Midwest has been a pivotal battleground in American politics, often deciding national elections. Its electorate has been shaped by a complex interplay of ethnic, religious, and economic factors. The region was a birthplace of the Republican Party and a center for progressive movements, labor activism, and debates over issues like prohibition and immigration, reflecting a dynamic political evolution.

Economic Foundations

The economy of the Midwest is a robust blend of agriculture and industry. It forms a significant portion of the nation's Corn Belt and is a major producer of soybeans and other agricultural goods. Simultaneously, its industrial base, historically centered on manufacturing, steel, and automotive production, has been a cornerstone of the American economy. The region's central location also makes it a vital transportation hub.

Economic Engine

Agricultural Powerhouse

The Midwest is renowned as the agricultural heartland of the United States. Vast expanses of fertile land, particularly within the Corn Belt, support extensive cultivation of crops like maize (corn) and soybeans. This agricultural productivity is fundamental to the region's economy and plays a critical role in national food supply chains.

Industrial Backbone

Historically, the Midwest has been a leading center for manufacturing and heavy industry. Cities around the Great Lakes, such as Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland, became hubs for steel production, automotive manufacturing, and machinery. While facing economic shifts, these industrial sectors continue to be significant contributors to the region's economic output.

Transportation and Trade

The region's central location and extensive network of waterways, railroads, and highways make it a crucial transportation nexus. The Great Lakes, connected by canals and the St. Lawrence Seaway, facilitate international trade. Major rivers like the Mississippi and Missouri also serve as vital conduits for moving agricultural and industrial goods. Railroads, particularly centered in Chicago, remain essential for freight movement.

Innovation and Services

Beyond agriculture and traditional manufacturing, the Midwest has increasingly diversified its economy to include sectors such as finance, healthcare, education, and technology. Major metropolitan areas are centers for research and development, fostering innovation and supporting a growing service-based economy that complements its industrial and agricultural foundations.

Political Dynamics

Swing State Significance

The Midwest is frequently characterized as a critical swing region in U.S. presidential elections. Its closely divided states often determine national outcomes, making it a focal point for campaign strategies and political discourse. The region's diverse electorate, influenced by historical settlement patterns and economic interests, contributes to its pivotal role in electoral politics.

Historical Political Movements

The Midwest has been a fertile ground for significant political movements. It was the birthplace of the Republican Party in the 1850s, driven by anti-slavery sentiments and Protestant values. The region also saw the rise of Populism and Progressivism, advocating for farmers' rights, labor reforms, and government regulation in response to industrialization and economic inequality.

Social Issues and Reform

Social issues, such as temperance, prohibition, and women's suffrage, found strong advocacy and opposition within the Midwest. Movements like the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and the Anti-Saloon League originated here, reflecting the region's complex social reform landscape. The influence of various immigrant groups also shaped political alignments and debates on social policies.

Ethnocultural Politics

Political alignments in the Midwest have often been influenced by ethnocultural factors, with voting patterns sometimes reflecting the heritage and religious affiliations of different immigrant communities. This dynamic has historically created a complex political environment where issues of identity, tradition, and social values play a significant role alongside economic concerns.

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References

Jay Pridmore (2000) "Northwestern University: Celebrating 150 Years" Evanston, IL: Northwestern University Press

Timothy R. Pauketat, Cahokia: Ancient America's Great City on the Mississippi (2009)

Hyde, George E.; Indians of the Woodlands From Prehistoric Times to 1725; Norman, Oklahoma; University of Oklahoma Press; 1962.

Schneider, Fred "Prehistoric Horticulture in the Northeastern Plains." Plains Anthropologist, 47 (180), 2002, pp. 33-50

The Sioux Indians were a Great and Powerful Tribe. Native Net: Online.

For a report on the long-established blunder of misnaming as Nakota, the Yankton and the Yanktonai, see the article Nakota

Charles J. Balesi, The Time of the French in the Heart of North America, 1673â1818 (3d ed. 2000); W. J. Eccles, The French in North America, 1500â1783 (2nd ed. 1998)

Dwight L. Smith, "A North American Neutral Indian Zone: Persistence of a British Idea" Northwest Ohio Quarterly 1989 61(2-4)|page=46-63

Richard White, "It's Your Misfortune and None of My Own": A New History of the American West (U of Oklahoma Press, 1991) pp. 137-143.

On federal policy see Benjamin Horace Hibbard, A history of the public land policies (1924).

Leroy V. Eid, "American Indian Military Leadership: St. Clair's 1791 Defeat". Journal of Military History (1993) 57#1 pp. 71-88.

William O. Odo, "Destined for Defeat: an Analysis of the St. Clair Expedition of 1791". Northwest Ohio Quarterly (1993) 65#2 pp. 68-93.

John D. Hicks, "The Birth of the Populist Party". Minnesota History 9.3 (1928): 219-247.

David P. Morgan (ed.): The Interurban Era, Kalmbach Publishing Co., pp. 16â17.

Africans in America Resource Bank: People and Events, 1853â1861, online. Retrieved June 14, 2011.

Gale Encyclopedia of U.S. History: Pottawatomie Massacre. Answers.com. Retrieved June 14, 2011

United States History â Bleeding Kansas online. Retrieved June 14, 2011.

GÃ¼nter Moltmann, "The Pattern of German Emigration to the United States in the Nineteenth Century". in America and the Germans, Volume 1 (University of Pennsylvania Press, 2016) pp. 14-24.

Census data from Bureau of the Census, Thirteenth census of the United States taken in the year 1910 (1913)

Michael Kazin, ed. The concise Princeton Encyclopedia of American political history (2011) p 347.

Michael Kazin, ed. The concise Princeton Encyclopedia of American political history (2011) pp. 347â348.

Kazin, ed. The concise Princeton Encyclopedia of American political history (2011) pp. 348â349.

Allen F. Davis, "The social workers and the progressive party, 1912-1916." American Historical Review 69.3 (1964): 671-688 online.

Sisson R., Zacher C.K., Cayton A.R.L. (2006.) The American Midwest: An Interpretic Encyclopedia, Indiana University Press, pg. 705.

Philip Barlow and Mark Silk, Religion and public life in the midwest: America's common denominator? (2004)

The U.S. Department of State Fact Monster. Retrieved June 2, 2011.

Edward L. Schapsmeier and Frederick H. Schapsmeier, Prophet in Politics: Henry A. Wallace and the War Years, 1940â1965 (1970) p, 234

Smith, C. Wayne., Javier BetrÃ¡n, and E. C. A. Runge. Corn: Origin, History, Technology, and Production. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley, 2004. page 4. Print

Corn Belt, EncyclopÃ¦dia Britannica Online

"London named world's top business center by MasterCard", CNN, June 13, 2007.

Sisson (2006) pp. 69â73; Richard Jensen, "The Lynds Revisited", Indiana Magazine of History (December 1979) 75: 303â319

Place Names in the Midwestern United States edited by Edward Callary published by Edwin Mellen Press 2000 ISBN 0773477233

Kenneth H. Wheeler, Cultivating Regionalism: Higher Education and the Making of the American Midwest (2011)

James N. Gregory, The Southern Diaspora: How the Great Migration of Black and White Southerners Transformed America

The Blues Brothers BFI Retrieved 18 January 2024

Chuck Berry BBC Retrieved 18 January 2024

Prince and Minneapolis sound Popmatters.com Retrieved 18 January 2024

A full list of references for this article are available at the Midwestern United States Wikipedia page

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This educational resource has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon a comprehensive analysis of publicly available data. Its purpose is to provide an informative and structured overview of the Midwestern United States for academic study at the Master's degree level.

This content is not intended as professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, the information presented should be supplemented with further scholarly research and consultation with subject matter experts. Historical and demographic data are based on specific points in time and may not reflect the most current conditions.

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The American Heartland

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Defining the Midwest 📍

🇺🇸 Census Bureau Designation

🗺️ Geographic Scope

📊 Demographics and Area

🏙️ Major Urban Centers

📈 State Statistics

Geographic Landscape 🏞️

🌍 Interior Plains and Lowlands

🌾 Prairies and Great Plains

⛰️ Topographical Variations

💧 Hydrology and Waterways

Historical Trajectory 📜

🏹 Pre-Columbian Era

⚔️ European Exploration and Settlement

🚂 Westward Expansion and Conflict

🏭 Industrialization and Transportation

Cultural Tapestry 🎭

🗣️ Immigrant Influence

📚 Literary and Artistic Heritage

🗳️ Political Landscape

🎶 Economic Foundations

Economic Engine ⚙️

🚜 Agricultural Powerhouse

🏭 Industrial Backbone

🚢 Transportation and Trade

💡 Innovation and Services

Political Dynamics 🏛️

⚖️ Swing State Significance

🚩 Historical Political Movements

⚖️ Social Issues and Reform

🤝 Ethnocultural Politics

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Defining the Midwest

Census Bureau Designation

Geographic Scope

Demographics and Area

Major Urban Centers

State Statistics

Geographic Landscape

Interior Plains and Lowlands

Prairies and Great Plains

Topographical Variations

Hydrology and Waterways

Historical Trajectory

Pre-Columbian Era

European Exploration and Settlement

Westward Expansion and Conflict

Industrialization and Transportation

Cultural Tapestry

Immigrant Influence

Literary and Artistic Heritage

Political Landscape

Economic Foundations

Economic Engine

Agricultural Powerhouse

Industrial Backbone

Transportation and Trade

Innovation and Services

Political Dynamics

Swing State Significance

Historical Political Movements

Social Issues and Reform

Ethnocultural Politics

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

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