Populism- DBQ
DBQ Topic-1983 The Progressive Era saw much reform in America including the agricultural revolution and the emergence of the Populist movement which in turn caused several repercussions throughout the nation socially, economically, and politically. These reforms were brought about as a result of the changing climate in America; it shifted from an agricultural base to an industrial power. This had the effect of weakening the voices and influence of farmers and laborers overtime; by the late 1880’s and 1890’s most felt powerless when it came to their influence in the nation, imparticularly the nation legislatures. Furthermore, while their influence was in decline their economic and financial woes continued to increase at a rapid pace due to legislation and industrial practices and policies. To combat this growing problem and to regain some of their influence in the legislature farmers and laborers, along with many “simple” people, thought to be extremely individualistic and self-reliant, began to bond together and ally themselves to form the Populist or “People’s” political party. This provided them with a legal means and a platform to seek reform that would once again establish them as a major part and influence in national politics, help reform the growing industrial monopolies, and to help save them from further economic downfall. There were many events and problems facing farmers and laborers that attributed to the agrarian and Populist uprising in the 1880’s and 1890’s; agrarian discontent took on both political and economical platforms. Politically, agrarians felt that eastern industries and industrialists were creating monopolies, especially in the railroads, crop processing, and other large industries that were vital to the success and profits of farmers; they also saw that many had influence over the government and used that influence to drown out the agrarians voice in the legislatures.