Asle Gronna

Who was Asle Gronna?

Asle Jorgenson Gronna was an American Senator from North Dakota, and one of the six to vote against the United States declaration of war leading to the First World War. Gronna was a Republican who reflected the attitudes of his region - progressive and isolationist. He blamed munition makers for the preparedness movement and World War I and was part of the "little group of willful men," so labeled by President Woodrow Wilson. In 1919 he was a staunch isolationist who opposed the League of Nations treaty because it further entangled the United States in foreign relationships and limited national decisionmaking. Gronna failed to win reelection in 1920.

Gronna was born in Elkader, Clayton County, Iowa, of Norwegian ancestry, but moved to Houston County, Minnesota with his family. After moving to the Dakota Territory in 1879 and several minor careers he landed himself in the field of politics. He was elected to the Dakota Territorial House of Representatives in 1889. He was elected to the 59th United States Congress as a Republican in 1911 to replace Martin N. Johnson, who had died in office. Gronna was re-elected in 1914 and served through the 60th and 61st Congresses as well finally leaving on March 4, 1921 after an unsuccessful 1920 campaign.