Populist Movement Vs Progressive Movement

The Populist Movement, created during the 1880’s, consisted of farmers and all those associated with agriculture. They held the belief that bankers had control over the banks by making the policy against the farmers. Farmers become united to protect their interests. They even created a major political party. The party was called the people’s party which became known as the Populist party. Populists drew its strength from rural areas. Populist initiated a program in 1882 in Omaha, Nebraska. They wanted to impose more income tax on wealthy people. Sought government ownership of the railroad, telephone, and telegraph systems. They believe on the government ownership and wanted to stop laissez-faire. Populist wanted the secret ballot and direct election of the senators from their states which the government acceded to through the 17th amendment. The others demand such as the regulation of banks and industries, civil services reforms, 8 hours in a day of labor class were also accepted by the government. The Progressive Movement is quite different. Middle class and well-educated people started the progressivism movement in the early 1900s. They continue their struggle by remaining in the political mainstream. The unfair election system, exploitation of workers, women and children, corruption in the business class and the legal system these are the major root cause of this movement. All these policies gave concessions to rich people. So that the rich people become the common enemy of progressivism. The movement was a reflection of the dissatisfaction among the urban classes and those belonging to the middle …show more content…
Despite the fact that most of the demands of the Populists were bordered on the ideas of communism; finally, overwhelming majorities of their demands were acceded by the government, and they became the law of the land