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DBQ: Populism VS Progressivism


            The Populist movement was in the last decades of the nineteenth century, while the Progressive movement was in the beginnings of the twentieth. They occurred within fifty years of each other, and they were similar in their grievances. Both reforms had parties that lasted well throughout the movements, and presidential candidates, some which continued on to the white house. Though the Progressive movement was probably more successful overall, but both contributed a lot to the way we make political decisions in the twenty-first century.
             The populist movement was more of a farmers revolt, and was described by John D. Hicks as, ".embattled farmers hurling defiance at Wall St. and the robber barons in defense of their simple, honest way of life." They developed a political party in 1892, and their candidate was James B. Weaver, who did fairly well, polling in over 1 million votes. Their champion was William Jennings Bryan, and he was also their presidential candidate in the election of 1896, though he also didn't win. Bryan radiated honesty, sincerity, and energy, and the also won the hearts of the Democratic party, combining the confused Populist party with the Democratic in the "Free Silver" election. .
             The progressive movement occurred more in the urban areas, and the middle-class and well educated were usually the ones involved. It was described as a movement of the early 1900's that tried to solve political, social, and economic problems (partially caused by increased movement into the cities and industrialization). Progressives emerged in both major parties, in all regions, and at all levels of government. The main progressive president was Teddy Roosevelt, as he was president at the time the movement began, but also included were Woodrow Wilson and Taft. The writers and journalists also known as "muckrakers" were the prominent pushers along of the movement. Beginning in 1902, the exposing of evil became a flourishing industry among the American publishers.


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