One of the Wealthiest Cities of its Size: For much of the late-nineteenth century, Portland was the most significant metropolis in the Pacific Northwest.

Boosting the City: The growth of Seattle made the Portland business community nervous, moving them to aggressively reassert Portland’s position as the preeminent city in the Pacific Northwest.

Rural-Urban Tensions: Portland’s ambitions were not always well-received by communities throughout the rest of the state. Political differences between rural and urban voters became apparent during the Progressive movement reforms of the early twentieth century.

An Economic Turnaround: The First World War provided an opportunity  for Oregon’s farmers, timber workers, and shipbuilding industries to realize a decent price on their products.

Labor Struggles: The most significant influence of World War I in the Pacific Northwest is reflected in the changing course of labor relations

Drifting Away from the Reservation: Through periods of war and peace, the federal government continued to vigorously pursue its “civilization” policies on northwestern Indian reservations.

A Tendency toward Conformity: Oregon’s social and cultural life during the 1920s reflected the conventions of a largely homogeneous society, with tendencies toward social, cultural, and religious conformity.

A Republican with Progressive Credentials: Charles McNary became Oregon’s most renowned political figure in the first half of the twentieth century. 

Speaking for Prominent Political Groups: Charles McNary’s conservationist leanings did not prevent him from promoting legislation that favored industrial progress.

Pushing Reform Legislation: Charles McNary did not let party politics get in the way of his support for New Deal legislation.

The Center of National Politics: Charles McNary’s political stock reached new heights in 1940 when he accepted the vice-presidential nomination for the Republican ticket headed by Wendell Wilkie.