Comparing the Approaches of the Progressive and Populist Movements

Populism vs. Progressivism Essay During the late 19th century and early 20th century the progressive movement and populist movement were groups and organizations getting together to resolve social, economic, and political problems occurring in the United States. Both movements had different approaches to what was more important and how to deal with problems. Progressivism was mainly for the betterment of cities while populism is for agrarian section of farmers. First of all there were social failures and successes between the populist and the progressive. During the progressive era, many lawmakers from state and general level made laws to protect citizens at home and those who are at work. Reforms were made saying that women and children could not work more than 10 hours a day under regulations. The progressives also campaigned to gain social order by abiding to certain laws such as the elimination of alcohol known as the temperance movement, reduction of prostitution, and the limitation of immigration and divorce. For immigration limitations, anti immigration measures were taken and a 10 year ban on the Chinese was imposed. As for labor regulations the reformers opted for better ventilation, fireproofing and workers compensation for injuries. Progressives succeeded to balance the influence of wealth and power. Unlike the populist movement there was racial segregation. African Americans had the hardest time during the progressive era because they could not join trade unions and had to choose low paying jobs. Many of them broke out in riots in New York from the injustice. There was also a group called the Framers who realized that for any advancement they needed to be united. Finally under progressivism is a group named the muc... ... middle of paper ... ...te Commerce Act. This stated that the rate for railroad prices would be reasonable but this act did not work as planned because it was not enforced so it then failed. In conclusion, both the populist and the progressives had different approaches to how they would regulate the social, economic, and political balance. In the late 19th century and early 20th century the United States did not have a modern government and these two political parties were the most powerful institutions instructing towards change. The populist and progressive eras were both in favor of leveling out the economy and social statuses. The improvement of poverty was also in favor of both parties. Overall, the progressive movement varies mostly from the populist movement in centering more on reforming the political process as a whole rather than paying full attention on the economic system.