What caused a delay in North Dakota's statehood?

The delay in North Dakota's statehood can primarily be attributed to partisan politics. When North Dakota sought admission to the Union in the late 19th century, it was part of the larger political landscape that included the admission of South Dakota and Montana. The process was heavily influenced by the majority party's control in Congress at the time.

During this period, the Republican Party held considerable power, and the political dynamics surrounding the admission of these territories often reflected party interests. The desire to maintain a balance of power in Congress played a significant role in how and when states were admitted. Some lawmakers were concerned that admitting North Dakota—which was likely to have a significant number of Republican voters—would upset the balance with other states. As a result, negotiations and compromises overshadowed the straightforward aspects of North Dakota's statehood, leading to delays.

Other factors, while relevant in different contexts, did not play as central a role in the delay as the political maneuvering that occurred nationally. Economic issues, geographical challenges, and population counts were considerations, but they were secondary to the influence of partisan politics at the federal level.