Master Link:
(History of the Grange and Populist Party) http://incolor.inetnebr.com/dennis/populist.shtml#North
American Populism To Do:
Links to Follow You need a background to understand the following activities. Please read the text at the site listed below before you start. http://odur.let.rug.nl/~usa/H/1994/index.htm Read Chapter 8 for background
Activity 1 Background: With the end of the Civil War in 1865, the nation was well on its ways towards industrialization. It may be argued that the war helped American on its march towards industrialization. With the passage of the Pacific Railroad Act and the Homestead Act in 1862 the Federal government took a step away from Laissez Faire economics. Additionally, government contracts with both industry (for needed war matierals) and with farmers (for need food stuffs) helped chip away at this doctrine. By the middle of the 1870's America was well on its way away from small industries, where each individual posessed a skill, went through an apprentiouship, and created a whole product such as a shoe. Individual skills were quickly being replaced by machines. "Sun Time." was being replaced by "Artificial Time" where electricity not only powered the machines but also the clocks which drove the workers according to the owners needs and desires. The modern factory had come to America. Within a short time factories were soon competing with one another for buyers. Within time, a few individuals and businesses began to control the market, From railroads, steel, coal and soon petroleum fortunes were made and prices rose and fell with the dictates of the market. Individal farmers attempting to get their crop to market had to rely on railroads, storrage centers, and to a certain degree luck in their quest for a profit. Monopolies were often seen by the farmer as the reason for their declining profits. In time they turned to state as well as the federal governement for a regress to their grievences.
Activity 1 Links: Monopolies
Activty 2: Background: Many groups began to unite in their attempt to address the injustices they felt were being delivered to them by the Industrial Revolution and "Big Business". One industry in particular was targeted by these groups; the railroad industry. Two of these groups in particular are well noted for their complaints and attempts at controling the perceived effects of the railroads. The Grange and later the Populists were two such groups. Niether group suceeded or failed completely. To a certain degree these groups paved the way both for future groups and well as legislation which attempted the control many of the negative effects of the Industrial Revolution in America.
Activity 2 Links
Activty 2 Directions: The Grange and Populists, a Comparison: In the chart below: list the specific compliant of the both the Grange and the Populist Movements? Next determine who were their complaints lodged against? Finally, what did each groups wish to see happen or lobby for in order to remedy the situation? From the The Political Economy of 'Agrarian Revolt' on the Great Plains, 1862-1900 by Kathleen Pickering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, USA) (30 Points Possible)
The Grange and Populists: a Comparison
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The Grange Movement |
The Populist Movement |
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Specific Compliant |
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Complaints Against |
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What did each group want to see done to remedy the situation? |
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Activity 3 Background: A "Political Platform" is a group of ideas or promices that an individual or political group attempts to woo voters with. In short they are what the individual or party stands for. For example in the 1968 election, presidetial hopeful, Richard M. Nixon, a republican promiced the American people, "Peace with Honor." Another thing one should remember is that promises often fall short of the accomplishments.
Activity 3 Links and Directions: The Populist Party Populist Platform 1892: 'The Omaha Platform' What was the Populists Party Platform in the 1892 Presidential Election? (20 Points Possible) (If you are not sure what a Political Platform is look it up before you start this activity.)
Activity 4: Links and Activity: People's Party Platform: List the Main Points of the Peoples's Party (20 Points Possible) (If you are not sure what a Political Platform is look it up before you start this activity.)
Activity 5: Background: Cartoons are often used used to make comments (lampoon) about individuals and society. One can learn about the times one is studying by an analysis of such cartoons. However in order to understand a political cartoon and the indivuals involved in their creation one must understand a few of the terms that relate to cartooning. One must understand the tems characture, stereotypes as well as symbolism before one attempts to understand the cartoons themselves. Additionally, no analysis of political cartoons is possible without an understanding of the times in which the cartoons were produced. .What was a powerful issue at one time perhaps might not be today. As well, symbols can shift their meaning depending on whose perspective one is looking at it in. For example, the American flag to a patriot might represent freedom or opportunity, while to some individuals, a slave in the 1790's, for example, it might represent oppression and a loss of freedom.
Activity 5 Links:
Activity 5 Directions: For each cartoon explain their historical significance. (Why were they produced and what were they attempting to demonstrate?) In order to complete this assignment, you must do a bit of research. In fact unless you do this background reading you will be lost as each cartoon attempts to portray a particular perpective, in a specific time period, for a specfic reason. You need to read through some of links provided in the History of the Grange and Populist Part. (60 Points Possible)