Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


Remaking Republicanism Thesis.pdf (962.31 KB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

REMAKING REPUBLICANISM: JOBS, TAXES AND SUBURBIA IN MICHIGAN, 1954-1962

Niemi, Michael Frederick Hart
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7318-0984
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1470302817

Abstract Details

2016, Master of Arts, Miami University, History.
This thesis investigates how George Romney’s successful bid for Michigan’s governorship as a Republican in 1962 was influenced by the struggles of the Michigan Republican Party in the 1950s. Relative decline in Michigan’s manufacturing economy during the 1950s undermined multiple Republican gubernatorial bids, while demographic change, geographic sectionalism and institutional tensions contributed to political gridlock that divided Republicans from voters in metropolitan Detroit. In response to these challenges, Michigan Republicans embraced the concept of business climate as an antidote to economic decline and constitutional reform as a means of ending the political gridlock. Emerging from the constitutional reform movement, Romney built on that foundation by fashioning a political appeal that revolved around jobs, taxes and a promise of effective governance. His appeal resonated with the white, middle class suburbs of metropolitan Detroit and helped politically realign them with the residents of outstate Michigan.
Steven Conn (Advisor)
Ryan Barilleaux (Committee Member)
Marguerite Shaffer (Committee Member)
59 p.
American History; History; Modern History
George Romney; Michigan; Republican Party; suburbs; politics; elections

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Niemi, M. F. H. (2016). REMAKING REPUBLICANISM: JOBS, TAXES AND SUBURBIA IN MICHIGAN, 1954-1962 [Master's thesis, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1470302817

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Niemi, Michael. REMAKING REPUBLICANISM: JOBS, TAXES AND SUBURBIA IN MICHIGAN, 1954-1962. 2016. Miami University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1470302817.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Niemi, Michael. "REMAKING REPUBLICANISM: JOBS, TAXES AND SUBURBIA IN MICHIGAN, 1954-1962." Master's thesis, Miami University, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1470302817

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

miami1470302817
602
© 2016, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.