Oklahoma Academic Standard 5. The student will examine the Oklahoma’s political, social, cultural, and economic transformation during the early decades following statehood. 

Objective 5.3  Analyze how various segments of Oklahoma society including agriculture, mining, and state politics were influenced by the organized labor and socialist movements.

In a Nutshell

When Oklahoma was founded at the height of the Progressive Movement many labor unions and socialist organizations were popular to certain sectors of Oklahoma workers and society. Students should examine the ideas espoused by these organizations and consider why such ideas held special appeal to many in the farming and mining communities.

Teacher Action 

Student Action 

• Provide opportunities for students to assess the significance and impact of individuals and groups related to union organization and socialist political movements. 

• Analyze historical, contemporary, and emerging means to promote the common good and protect individual rights by examining various labor movements and how they affected Oklahoma farm and industrial workers. 

Key Concepts 

Misconceptions 

• Green Corn Rebellion, tenant farmers, falling crop prices, public reaction

• Oklahoma Socialist Party, Working Class Union

• socialist "encampments" 

• Oscar Ameringer 

• Farmers Alliance Movement, International Workers of the World

• Many students will have limited understandings of socialism, usually associating it with communism. Nor will most students have background knowledge of national movements and the appeal of socialism to certain sectors of American citizens during this era.

Instructional Resources