Bennett Law

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The Bennett Law was a highly controversial state law passed in Wisconsin in 1889, that required the use of English in most schools. It affected the state's German-language private schools (and Norwegian schools), and was bitterly resented by German American communities.

Republicans, led by Governor William D. Hoard supported the law and some Democrats broke with the party line. After strong lobbying by Archbishop Frederick Katzer of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and other parochial leaders, Democrats, led by William F. Vilas took up the German cause. The result was a major victory for the Democrats.