A brief definition and Background.

What was it?- a wave of reform in the early 20th Century

Background:

Post-Civil War era in the USA marked by:

- Economic growth driven by mechanization, electricity, and steel industry expansion

- Rapid demographic and urban growth leading to the emergence of slums

- Concerns over corrupt practices in corporations and railroads

- Dominance of laissez-faire economics and Social Darwinist thinking

- Rise of trade unionism and labor strikes for better conditions and wages

"Gilded Age" characterized by:

- Problems highlighted by Mark Twain

- Perception of few capable individuals to address these issues

Frustration with Democrats and Republicans:

- Seen as more interested in internal factions, spoils of power, and winning elections

- Growing desire for alternative political options

- Democrats and Republicans as primary political forces in 19th-century politics.

The Populist Challenge

- Many farmers, particularly in the Western regions, were concerned about falling prices for their produce due to overproduction and international competition. They also faced high rail fares, which added to their frustrations.

- To address their grievances, farmers began organizing into groups like the Grange and the Greenbacks, culminating in the formation of the People's Party in 1892.

- The People's Party advocated for government ownership of railroads, a graduated income tax, the implementation of the secret ballot, reduction of working hours, and limitations on immigration.

- In the 1892 election, the Democrats emerged victorious.

- In 1896, the Democratic presidential candidate, William J. Bryan, sought to appeal to populist sentiments, but ultimately lost to the Republicans.