George F. Shafer

George Frederick Shafer (born November 23, 1888 in Mandan , Dakota Territory , †  August 13, 1948 in Bismarck , North Dakota ) was an American politician and from 1929 to 1933 the 16th governor of the state of North Dakota.

Early years and political advancement

George Shafer attended public schools in Mandan and Willistin High School and the University of North Dakota . After completing a law degree, he was admitted to the bar in 1912. He held his first public office in 1915 as a district attorney in McKenzie County . He held this office until 1919. From 1921 to 1922 he was Deputy Attorney General and then Attorney General of North Dakota until 1929 . In 1928 he was elected as a candidate of the Independent Voters Association for the new governor, where he prevailed with 56:43 percent of the vote against incumbent Walter Maddock .

New parties in North Dakota

In the years after 1915, the two traditional parties, the Republicans and the Democrats , had faded a little in North Dakota. Instead , the Nonpartisan League (NPL) and the Independent Voters Association (IVA) took their place temporarily. Both parties were in sharp opposition to one another. The NPL, which represented more socialist positions, was briefly organized nationwide, but achieved its greatest successes in North Dakota. With Lynn Frazier and Walter Maddock, she put two governors in this state between 1917 and 1929. The IVA was founded as an opposition to the NPL by conservative forces whose interests it represented. With Ragnvald A. Nestos and George Shafer she also provided two governors of North Dakota in the 1920s. Since 1933, neither party played a major role in North Dakota.

North Dakota Governor

Shafers term began on January 9, 1929. After a re-election in 1930, he could serve until January 4, 1933. This period was overshadowed by the Great Depression. In North Dakota, a major drought made the situation worse. In 1930, North Dakota's Capitol burned down and had to be rebuilt. On the other hand, the companies nationalized by the NPL made good profits under Shafer's leadership, which were partly used to combat the crisis. In 1932, Shafer applied unsuccessfully for a third term.

After leaving the office of governor, George Shafer retired from politics and devoted himself to his private affairs. He died in August 1948. Shafer was married to Frances Kellog, with whom he had four children.

Web links

• George F. Shafer in the National Governors Association (English)
• North Dakota Historical Society (English)

• George F. Shafer in the database of Find a Grave (English)