A History of Missouri (V6): Volume VI, 1953 to 2003

by Lawrence H. Larsen

Overview

A History of Missouri: Volume VI is the final volume of A History of Missouri. Beginning at the close of the Truman presidency and ending in 2003, the two hundredth anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase agreement and of the organization of the Lewis and Clark expedition, Volume VI explains how modern Missouri bridged the years between the mid-twentieth century and the new millennium.

Central to the period was the end of segregation, the demise of bossism in Kansas City and St. Louis, changes in the economy, and the impact of cross-state urbanization. Among other developments were the building of the interstate highways and the marked expansion of higher education. Larsen’s overall thesis is that during these years Missouri continued to advance in a restrained manner and at a moderate pace. The Republican party revived, suburbs mushroomed around the central cities, the state government grew and expanded its functions, the population became more diversified, concerns increased for the natural and built environments, higher education was transformed, small towns held their own, and the state declined as a force in national politics.

A History of Missouri: Volume VI, 1953 to 2003 is very much a pioneering effort and one that should be welcomed by anyone interested in the history of Missouri, from casual observers to policymakers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780826215437
Publisher:	University of Missouri Press
Publication date:	09/16/2004
Series:	A History of Missouri , #6
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	5.75(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.90(d)
Age Range:	14 - 18 Years

About the Author

Lawrence H. Larsen is Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He is the author or coauthor of more than a dozen books, including Pendergast! (University of Missouri Press).

Table of Contents

	Preface	VII
I.	Missouri by the Numbers	1
II.	Beautiful Missouri	21
III.	Urban Missouri	40
IV.	St. Louis and Kansas City	58
V.	Under a New Constitution	83
VI.	The Hearnes Era	109
VII.	From Bond to Holden	127
VIII.	A Missouri Mosaic at Century's End	155
	Essay on Sources	179
	Index	201

What People are Saying About This

Lawrence O. Christensen

It is very difficult to write such recent history, because perspective is so limited. Larsen has tackled the task and has produced a good general treatment of the state. He has worked hard to cover small-town development, and he has made a significant contribution to the understanding of what happened to the St. Louis and Kansas City metropolitan areas during the last half century. The treatment of state politics is well done. His approach of following a chronological organization in writing about politics provides excellent continuity and analysis.

Editorial Reviews

"It is very difficult to write such recent history, because perspective is so limited. Larsen has tackled the task and has produced a good general treatment of the state. He has worked hard to cover small-town development, and he has made a significant contribution to the understanding of what happened to the St. Louis and Kansas City metropolitan areas during the last half century. The treatment of state politics is well done. His approach of following a chronological organization in writing about politics provides excellent continuity and analysis."—Lawrence O. Christensen

From the Publisher