Lowell J. Soike Boeken

Set against the backdrop of the 1850s and early 1860s, the narrative explores Iowa's pivotal role in the antislavery movement as it became a refuge for those escaping slavery. The author highlights the bravery of Iowans who supported runaway slaves and assisted antislavery settlers heading to Kansas. Through forgotten stories, the book reveals the dangers faced by those involved in the underground railroad, emphasizing the courage and determination of both the runaways and their Iowan allies in the fight against slavery.

Despite the immense body of literature about the American Civil War and its causes, the nation's western involvement in the approaching conflict often gets short shrift. Busy in the Cause explores the role of the Midwest in shaping US politics concerning slavery in the years leading up to the Civil War.