Oklahoma Academic Standard 2. The student will analyze the social, economic and political changes that occurred during the American Industrial Revolution, the Gilded Age, and significant reform movements from the 1870s to the 1920s.

Objective 2.2  Evaluate the rise and reforms of Populism and the Progressive Movement including:

  A. direct primary, initiative petition, referendum, and recall intended to limit the corrupting influence of political machines 

  B. impact of William Jennings Bryan and his Cross of Gold speech on the political landscape. 

In a Nutshell

Students should examine the condition of America’s farmers who were impacted by the Industrial Revolution. In addition, urban workers were subjected to the will and influence of political machines who exercised direct and indirect power over government officials and policies, leaving many feeling removed from the democratic process. Students should be able to describe how political reforms attempted to return power to the hands of the people. In order for our economy to be stronger, citizens during this period also needed to come to a consensus on the monetary system. 

Teacher Action 

Student Action 

• Provide opportunities for students to examine the role of informed and responsible citizens in their political systems by analyzing examples used by the Populist and Progressive movements and their successes at the local and state levels.

• Analyze the role of informed and responsible citizens in their political systems through the actions of Populist and Progressive leaders at the local, state and national levels of government.  

Key Concepts 

Misconceptions 

• goals of the Farmers Alliance; the Grange

• Ocala Demands influence on the People's Party platform

• Coxey’s Army, increased awareness of conditions and call to change

•  United Mine Workers

• cause of the Children’s March 

• goals and appeal of the People’s Party 

• silver coinage debate's impact of economic policy and politics

• Some students may think that the average citizen cannot influence political decisions but the Populist and Progressive movements provide examples of grassroots movements achieving the highest levels of government response.  

• Many think the Populist movement completely died out, yet, “Populist” is an appropriate term with which contemporary politicians still associate.

Instructional Resources