Heartland Liberals and American Indian Self-Determination: Mike Mansfield, Hubert Humphrey, and George McGovern, Oct. 12

The Central Region Humanities Center presents a lecture by Dean J. Kotlowski on "Heartland Liberals and American Indian Self-Determination: Mike Mansfield, Hubert Humphrey, and George McGovern" on Oct. 12 at 4 p.m. at Baker Center 231.

Kotlowski is Professor of History at Salisbury University.

Abstract: Senators Humphrey, Mansfield, and McGovern made uneven contributions to American Indian self-determination. Mansfield proved a passive figure who allowed fellow Montana Democrats, such as Senator James E. Murray, to handle Indian issues. Humphrey remained in lockstep with LBJ and the Great Society, touting economic development for tribes and assistance to impoverished Indians while exhibiting minimal understanding of self-determination. Although McGovern exuded Euro-centric and integrationist biases, he went the farthest in asserting that Indians preferred an existence separate from mainstream American society. Of the three, McGovern pushed ideas that best anticipated the Indian policy put into place by President Nixon, who defeated the South Dakota Senator in the election of 1972. United by liberal values while possessing distinct leadership styles and political ambitions, Mansfield, Humphrey, and McGovern failed to press strongly or consistently for Indian self-determination.

Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Dr. Katherine Jellison at jellison@ohio.edu or 740-593-0438.