World War II and After

World War II, by creating heavy demands for iron ore and food products, did much to rebuild Minnesota's economy after the Depression. In the 1950's the mining industry declined sharply as the richest ore deposits were depleted. However, the construction of plants after 1955 to process taconite ore brought partial recovery. Great industrial growth also marked the 1950's, and manufacturing began to surpass agriculture as the chief source of income. Agriculture also diversified. In the 1960's, Minnesota faced the problem of providing jobs for its rapidly increasing urban population.

In the 1970s, Minnesota was considered one of the most successful states in the nation, having steady economic growth, a low crime rate, and a government responsive to public opinion. In the 1980's, the state encountered severe economic problems, particularly in agriculture and mining. By the end of the decade, however, conditions had begun to improve. In 1998, James Janos, a former professional wrestler and actor who uses the stage name Jesse Ventura, was elected governor as the Reform party candidate.

Air and water pollution became a concern from the 1970's through the 1990's, primarily because of taconite plants. In 1978, the Minnesota Supreme Court ordered the Reserve Mining Company of Silver Bay to meet pollution control standards.

The state's first light rail system began operation in Minneapolis in mid-2004.