Lorenzo D. Lewelling and Kansas populism

Abstract

This research explores the Populist era in Kansas and the life of the state's twelfth governor, Lorenzo D. Lewelling. Lewelling is an important figure in the Populist movement in Kansas and his rise to power, and subsequent fall, mimics that of the movement as a whole. Through close examination of primary and secondary sources, this research paints the picture of Lewelling's life before and during his political career to give a better understanding of the state's past. This research gives context to the broader Populist movement by examining the intricacies of one of the state's leading figures.