Wisconsin took part in several political extremes in the mid to late 20th century , ranging from the anti-communist crusades of Senator Joseph McCarthy in the 1950s to the radical antiwar protests at UW-Madison that culminated in the Sterling Hall bombing in August 1970 . The state became a leader in welfare reform under Republican Governor Tommy Thompson during the 1990s . The state 's economy also underwent further transformations towards the close of the 20th century , as heavy industry and manufacturing declined in favor of a service economy based on medicine , education , agribusiness , and tourism
Sterling Hall bombing
Sterling Hall bombing
Wisconsin