Mark A. Lause

Mark A. Lause is an American historian and professor emeritus at the University of Cincinnati, specializing in labor history, social movements, and the American Civil War era. His research focuses on radical social movements, particularly those of 19th century America, including labor organizations, agrarian reform efforts, and the intersection of race and class. Lause has published extensively on topics such as the antebellum land reform movement, secret societies, and working-class activism. Notable works include "Young America: Land, Labor, and the Republican Community," "Price's Lost Campaign: The 1864 Invasion of Missouri," and "The Great Cowboy Strike: Bullets, Ballots and Class Conflicts in the American West." His scholarship has contributed significantly to understanding the development of American radicalism and labor movements. Lause's work is characterized by detailed archival research and examination of overlooked historical episodes that illuminate broader patterns in American social and political development. His analysis of class formation and social movements has influenced contemporary discussions of labor history and radical politics.

Readers appreciate Lause's exploration of overlooked historical topics and social movements. His books reveal lesser-known aspects of American labor history and class conflict through detailed research and documentation. What readers liked: - Uncovering forgotten episodes in labor history - Clear connections between historical events and broader social patterns - Documentation and primary sources - Focus on grassroots movements rather than top-down history What readers disliked: - Dense academic writing style that can be difficult to follow - Some books described as too narrow in scope - Arguments can be repetitive across different works - Limited context for general readers unfamiliar with the period On Goodreads, Lause's books average 3.7-4.1 stars. "The Great Cowboy Strike" (4.0) and "Price's Lost Campaign" (3.9) received particular praise for bringing attention to overlooked historical events. Amazon reviews (avg 4.2) note the books' value for academic research but mention the challenging prose style for casual readers.

Price's Lost Campaign: The 1864 Invasion of Missouri A detailed military history examining Confederate General Sterling Price's failed Missouri campaign during the Civil War, documenting the strategic decisions and battlefield actions that shaped the outcome.

The Collapse of Price's Raid A focused analysis of the final phase of Price's Missouri expedition, covering the battles and retreat that led to the ultimate defeat of Confederate forces in the region.

Young America: Land, Labor, and the Republican Community An examination of the Young America movement and its influence on American land reform, labor rights, and republican ideals in the mid-19th century.

The Great Cowboy Strike: Bullets, Ballots and Class Conflicts in the American West A historical account of labor conflicts and organizing efforts among cowboys in the late 19th century American West, focusing on class struggles and worker resistance.

Race and Radicalism in the Union Army An investigation of racial integration and radical political thought within Union military units during the American Civil War.

A Secret Society History of the Civil War A study of clandestine organizations and their influence on both Union and Confederate sides during the American Civil War.

Free Labor: The Civil War and the Making of an American Working Class An analysis of how the Civil War transformed labor relations and contributed to the development of working-class consciousness in America.

Eric Foner writes extensively about the Civil War era and Reconstruction, examining radical movements and class dynamics in 19th century America. His work on the Republican Party's evolution and labor politics shares common ground with Lause's focus on working class movements.

David Montgomery specializes in American labor history and working-class formation in the 19th century. His research on workers' control and labor organizing provides complementary perspectives to Lause's studies of radical movements.

Philip Foner documented labor struggles and social movements in the United States with comprehensive archival research. His multi-volume history of the labor movement parallels Lause's attention to forgotten episodes in working-class history.

Herbert Gutman focused on working-class culture and community formation in 19th century America. His bottom-up approach to labor history aligns with Lause's examination of grassroots social movements.

Bryan Palmer researches radical social movements and working-class politics in North America. His work on secret societies and labor organizations connects directly with Lause's studies of underground political networks and class conflict.