Contested Boundaries: A New Pacific Northwest History

by David J Jepsen, David Norberg

Contested Boundaries: A New Pacific Northwest History is an engaging, contemporary look at the themes, events, and people that have shaped the history of the Pacific Northwest over the last two centuries.

An engaging look at the themes, events, and people that shaped the Pacific Northwest - Washington, Oregon, and Idaho - from when only Native Peoples inhabited the land through the twentieth century. Twelve theme-driven essays covering the human and environmental impact of exploration, trade, settlement and industrialization in the nineteenth century, followed by economic calamity, world war and globalization in the twentieth. Written by two professors with over 20 years of teaching experience, this work introduces the history of the Pacific Northwest in a style that is accessible, relevant, and meaningful for anyone wishing to learn more about the region's recent history. A companion website for students and instructors includes test banks, PowerPoint presentations, student self-assessment tests, useful primary documents, and resource links: www.wiley.com/go/jepsen/contestedboun....

Genres: History, Nonfiction

416 pages, Hardcover

Published April 10, 2017

Reviews

[Collin Jung · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good review

[Bob H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new, well-researched, readable and groundbreaking history of the Pacific Northwest, from the appearance of European explorers to very modern times. It's a social, economic and political history of the states of Idaho, Oregon and Washington, tending to focus on the two latter states, and is a comprehensive look at how people, economics and resources shaped the region to what it is now.

The authors meant the book as a text; many colleges in the region have courses in Pacific Northwest history. They've formatted the book with "explore more" and comprehensive footnotes at the end of each chapter, and frequent sidebar stories, 1-2 page articles highlighting something related to the chapter. As such, the book is definitely ready to serve as a well-timed, relevant and useful textbook.

However, the book is appealing to history readers generally. The prose is readable and intriguing. The narrative tells of the diverse peoples who settled the Northwest, built its railroads and factories, suffered its injustices and downturns. The book is a readable economic history that tells us of the businesses that built -- and exploited -- the region, starting with the railroads and ending up with modern corporations like Boeing, Microsoft and Nike. It tells of the labor strife and violence, notably involving the IWW but also including women's labor organizing from early on -- indeed, there's much about women's movements for unionizing and for emancipation. The book's social history has much about the racial diversity, and racism, from the early oppression of native peoples to the internment of the Japanese-Americans in WWII, and on through Hispanic farmworkers' experiences later on. We learn of the inequity between the urban and rural areas, driven in part by a shift from resource to industrial economics, an inequity that continues to today. There's even a brief account of the 2016 standoff at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge between the federal government and rancher activists.

For all that, the book is a lively and comprehensive look at a vibrant part of the nation and well worthwhile for those interested in American history -- and it will fill a need, quite well, as a text in the region's history curricula. Highest recommendation.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Broad history of the PNW up to the present day. As a resident for the past twenty years, I still learned a lot and highly recommend.

[MaryCatherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since people keep “liking” my not yet written review of this book, I guess I will have to write one. More to come.

[Stephanie Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

So nice to see a history book that strives to be inclusive of all peoples. Even though I am a third-generation Washingtonian, there were several events of the past covered in this book, which I was made aware of for the first time.

[Hogan McCale · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a book I read for my history class this is a pretty great read! Also wth is up with the UW president calling grape boycotters Nazis? And I would say that this is a really interesting and insightful read. Honestly just read it, it’s prettty great!

[Kate Schwarz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, readable history of the Pacific Northwest. At the conclusion of each chapter there is a "learn more" section which points you in the direction of further study.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook version. Felt a bit like walking through MOHAI.