History of North Dakota - Themes in North Dakota History

Themes in North Dakota History

In his History of North Dakota, historian Elwyn B. Robinson identified themes in North Dakota history:

• • Dependence
• Radicalism
• Economic disadvantage
• The "too-much mistake"
• Adjustment

Robinson's history is to date the only comprehensive history of the state, but his analysis has drawn fire. His assertion of a "too-much mistake" in particular, is controversial. By this Robinson meant that North Dakota had too many farms, railroad miles, roads, towns, banks, schools, government institutions, churches, and people for suitable living in a subhumid grassland. Either the state will revert to a natural grassland, have a future similar to its past, or come to grips with the "too-much-mistake" and rationally control government and the advantages of new technology. Some politicians, including Joe Satrom, blame the book for (un)inspiring a generation of leaders to lower their expectations for the state's future.

The land has been a central theme in North Dakota literature. In fiction, poetry, autobiography, drama, history, travel publications and websites, the same themes appear over and over regarding the land: its beauty, unforgivingness, solace, starkness, sameness, and the hard work it requires to survive and thrive. Many of the state's writers focus on the relationship of the people and the land. The landscape has barely changed since first impressions were recorded, and the relationship between people and land has likewise changed little.