APUSH Period 7- From Populists to Progressives (1890-1920)

What were the Granger Grievances?

First major US farm organization (1860s). Grew after 1873 depression, focused on economic cooperatives (stores, insurance, etc.). Their grievances included high railroad rates, lack of regulation, and exploitative practices by banks and grain elevators.

Who was Mary Lease?

A prominent Populist orator and activist in the late 19th century, she advocated for farmers' rights and women's suffrage.

What was the Populist Party?

A political party formed in the 1890s that represented the interests of farmers and laborers, advocating for issues like the regulation of railroads, a progressive income tax, and the direct election of Senators.

What was Free Silver?

A monetary policy advocating for the free coinage of silver to increase the money supply, benefiting farmers and debtors in the late 19th century.

What was the Panic of 1893?

A serious economic depression that began in 1893, marked by a national bank collapse, high unemployment, and significant declines in rail and industrial company stocks.

What was Coxey’s Army?

A protest march led by Jacob Coxey in 1894, where unemployed workers sought government action for job creation and relief during the economic depression.

What was the Currency Question?

The debate over the types of currency used in the U.S., particularly regarding gold versus silver standards, and how this affected monetary policy and the economy.

What was McKinley vs. William Jennings Bryan?

The 1896 presidential election where Republican William McKinley defended the gold standard while Democrat William Jennings Bryan advocated for bimetallism and populist reforms. This election highlighted the economic divides in America during a period of economic hardship.

What was Mark Hanna and modern campaigning?

A political strategist who managed McKinley's campaign, Hanna emphasized the use of marketing techniques, including financing, organization, and media, to mobilize voters effectively.

What was the Progressive Impulse?

A social and political movement in the early 20th century aimed at addressing issues caused by industrialization, urbanization, and corruption through reform in government, society, and the economy.

What were Muckrakers?

Journalists and writers who exposed corruption, social injustices, and scandals in politics and business during the Progressive Era.

What was the Social Gospel?

A religious movement that sought to apply Christian ethics to social problems, advocating for social justice, poverty alleviation, and labor reforms in response to the challenges of industrialization.

Who was Jane Addams and were Settlement Houses?

Jane Addams was a reformer and social worker known for founding Hull House in Chicago, which offered social services and education to immigrants and the poor.

What was the “New Woman” & Boston Marriages?

New Woman" refers to women pursuing careers, education, social change (late 1800s/early 1900s). Boston marriages were partnerships between two women living together independently. This symbolized shift in gender roles, supported labor rights/women's suffrage. Boston marriages showed growing independence and challenged traditional family structures.  

Woman Suffrage/NAWSA/19th Amendment

The movement for women’s right to vote in the United States, significantly advanced by organizations like the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA). This culminated in the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, granting women the legal right to vote.

What was Municipal Reform?

Progressive Era movement to make city governments more efficient and responsive. Targeted corruption, urban issues (housing, sanitation), enhanced public services. Improved city services, increased government accountability, reduced influence of political organizations.

What was Initiative, Referendum, and Recall?

Initiative, Referendum, and Recall are progressive political reforms that allow citizens to propose legislation (initiative), vote directly on legislation (referendum), and remove elected officials from office before their term ends (recall). These measures aimed to increase direct democracy and hold politicians accountable.

Who was Robert LaFollette?

Progressive Era leader from Wisconsin (governor, senator). Championed direct democracy and opposed corporate influence. Key figure in Progressive movement. "Wisconsin Idea" was a model for reforms. 1924 presidential run advanced push for accountability/social justice.

What was the Triangle Shirtwaist Company?

NYC garment factory where a 1911 fire killed 146 workers (mostly young immigrant women) due to unsafe conditions. This was the catalyst for labor reform. Led to stricter workplace safety laws, labor rights, fire regulations. Strengthened labor movement for better conditions for women/immigrants.  

Who was William Edward Burghardt DuBois?

Co-founder of NAACP (1909). African-American activist/scholar. Advocated for racial equality, civil rights, opposed segregation/discrimination. Emphasized education and activism. Shaped civil rights movement and broader fight for racial justice.

What was the Temperance Crusade Continued & 18th Amendment?

The Temperance Crusade was a social movement aimed at reducing or prohibiting the consumption of alcohol, which culminated in the ratification of the 18th Amendment in 1919. This amendment established national prohibition, banning the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States.

What was Eugenics and Nativism?

Eugenics was a social and scientific movement promoting selective breeding to improve the human population, often based on flawed racial theories. Nativism, on the other hand, was the political and social policy favoring the interests of native-born inhabitants over immigrants, leading to restrictive immigration laws and widespread discrimination.

Who was Eugene V. Debs?

A prominent American socialist, labor leader, and five-time presidential candidate for the Socialist Party of America. Debs advocated for workers' rights, social justice, and was instrumental in the founding of the American Railway Union.

What was Northern Securities?

Northern Securities was a railroad trust formed in 1901 by major railroad companies, including J.P. Morgan and E.H. Harriman, which was eventually dissolved by the Supreme Court for violating antitrust laws.

What was Theodore Roosevelt’’s Square Deal?

Theodore Roosevelt's Square Deal was his domestic program aimed at ensuring fairness for all Americans, focusing on consumer protection, conservation of natural resources, and curbing corporate excesses, often summarized by the phrase "justice for all." Focused on controlling corporations (regulating monopolies via Sherman Act), consumer safety (Pure Food & Drug Act, Meat Inspection Act), and environmental conservation (national parks/forests).  

What was the Pure Food & Drug Act?

1906 law under Roosevelt. Prohibited manufacture/sale/transport of contaminated/harmful food/medicine. Created FDA to enforce regulations. This was the first major step in government regulation of consumer products. Influenced by public outrage over unsanitary food industry conditions.

Roosevelt & Conservation/Preservation

The policies and actions by Theodore Roosevelt aimed at protecting natural resources and maintaining public lands, promoting sustainable use of forests and wildlife, and establishing national parks and monuments.

Taft vs. Roosevelt (causes and Election of 1912)

The conflict between Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft stemmed from differing ideologies on progressive reform, particularly regarding trust-busting and tariff policies. The split in the Republican Party led to the formation of the Bull Moose Party by Roosevelt, which significantly impacted the 1912 presidential election.

What was New Nationalism?

A progressive political philosophy proposed by Theodore Roosevelt, advocating for stronger government regulation of the economy, social justice, and the welfare of the public. It aimed to address economic inequality and curb the power of corporations.

What was Wilson's New Freedom?

A progressive program by Woodrow Wilson focused on tariff reduction, banking reform, and antitrust legislation aimed at promoting economic opportunity and reducing the power of monopolies.

What was Wilson & Tariff/Money Issue & Labor?

Wilson's New Freedom aimed to address the tariff issue by implementing lower tariffs and promoting financial reform through the Federal Reserve Act. His administration sought to improve conditions for labor by supporting antitrust laws and fair labor practices.