Kristy 3 | - Freelance Writer
Feb 13, 2016 | #1
Topic: For this short paper, analyze how one primary text (The Populist Platform from Voices of Freedom chapter 17) reflects its historical context.
Evidence: Refer to specific details from the primary text (including brief quotations in each body paragraph) to support your thesis. To connect the primary text to its historical context, your paper should also include references to assigned readings from the textbook, Created Equal chapter 18 p.449-450
Your assignment is to analyze the primary text chosen, through developing a clear thesis statement about it. Your thesis should establish one or more ways in which the primary text reflects the ideas, trends, or themes of the historical period in which it originated. To place the primary text in context, give historical background from the Created Equal text that shows the important events that took place during the period.
Once you have developed your thesis, you must give several specific examples from the work in each of your body paragraphs, and explain how these examples support your thesis. Your examples should include brief quotations from the primary work. Because your paper will include quotations, you will need parenthetical references and a works cited page in proper MLA format.
In the Voices of Freedom, the Populist group, which consisted of farmers from rural areas of the United States, faced economic oppression, restrictions on liberties as U.S. citizens and demanded reform from the government on how much authority they exerted into the lives of the everyday American. The initial purpose of the group, whom was formally known as the Farmer's Alliance) was to improve the farmer's financial condition and general welfare. The farmers were dedicated in challenging the liberties that was promised to Americans, addressing wealth inequalities and exposing as well as putting an end to political corruption. It was the desire of the Populists to see the Republic restored back into the hands of the citizens.
As stated in Created Equal, "The Populist Party had a profound impact on the nation's political landscape in the 1890's" (p. 449). In a formal proposal that was created, which was the preamble to their conditions set forth for the government, it outlined every area where they wanted to spark change. The text details the scandals and the ways in which agricultural communities felt the oppression of power, money hungry political authorities. The Republican and Democratic political parties were more concerned with power and helping the rich acquire more possessions, over hurting, poor American citizens. The Populist attributed their poverty and financial distress to the high cost for them to utilize freights from railroad companies. Monopolies were placed upon the freight system and public officials used it as a means of unfair treatment towards the farmers. This further compelled the laborers in the agricultural industry, more so those from southern and western areas of the country, to assemble together to promote justice and fight against the system that refused to recognize them. True citizenship had to be restored along with the government having its rightful place dealing with affairs concerning the American citizen.
Railroad companies faced a striking blow in 1894 when 150,000 railroad union members went on strike due to facing a one-third reduction of wages (p.452). The government intervened and forced workers to go back to their jobs, as, it interfered with the delivery of the U.S. postal service. Union leaders refused to return back to work and were sentenced to jail for not following orders.
Government intervention on unfair prices and jacked taxes was the outcry from Populist. The background from which this stemmed from is due to the creation of The Pension Act of 1890. It was passed by Congress to provide income for disabled veterans. In order to fund this pension, Congress allowed for high taxes to be imposed on imported goods. Many states supported the law for high taxes because in return they could sell silver to the government, who promised in the Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890, that they would buy "4.5 million ounces of silver each month" (p. 450) by distributing banknotes that could be exchanged for gold. The benefit of both acts served in the interest of those who could take full advantage which furthermore disregarded the farmers.
Transportation and land were other areas of concerns for the farmers. The proposal suggested that the railroad system be managed, owned and operated by the government for the best interest of citizens. The railroad was a major mode of transporting goods for the agricultural business and it was their means of income. If the government was in charge of the railways, then it would be their responsibility to pay to keep it operating, thus, eliminating the high fees associated with it for farmers. They wanted relief from these unfair practices. The government also capitalized on land and the farmers mandate was that land was to be given back to the people or to those who were settlers in the land.
Eventually, a major component of the Populist Party became to be the debate of free silver. This was thought to be the most reasonable way to resolve their low crop prices and repelling deflation. The Farmers wanted to have in legislation that silver was to be officially recognized as currency. Money was not equally distrusted as they had to watch the rich flaunt their wealth and the government also frivolously spent money. As a result of irresponsible spending, within the Populists proposal for the use of revenue, they wanted it to be limited to the government and only used for necessary purposes.
Issues regarding labor unions caused an uproar between various religious groups and races. The nation's political structure was in ruins. While the populist group had a rise to fame, so to speak, during this timeframe, unfortunately, they also faced their demise as a group due to democratic representation. The Populist Party is a prime example in U.S. history in how the corruption of the nation's government was challenged and how citizens fought to gain recognition and demand justice as promised in the Constitution. Their demonstration in seeking a reconciled nation cannot be forgotten.
References
Foner, Eric. Voices of Freedom. New York: W.W. Norton & Company. 49-54. Print.
Jones, J., Wood, P., Borstelman, T, & May-Tyler, E. Created Equal. New Jersey: Pearson, 449-450. Print.
Evidence: Refer to specific details from the primary text (including brief quotations in each body paragraph) to support your thesis. To connect the primary text to its historical context, your paper should also include references to assigned readings from the textbook, Created Equal chapter 18 p.449-450
Your assignment is to analyze the primary text chosen, through developing a clear thesis statement about it. Your thesis should establish one or more ways in which the primary text reflects the ideas, trends, or themes of the historical period in which it originated. To place the primary text in context, give historical background from the Created Equal text that shows the important events that took place during the period.
Once you have developed your thesis, you must give several specific examples from the work in each of your body paragraphs, and explain how these examples support your thesis. Your examples should include brief quotations from the primary work. Because your paper will include quotations, you will need parenthetical references and a works cited page in proper MLA format.
The Populist Platform
In the Voices of Freedom, the Populist group, which consisted of farmers from rural areas of the United States, faced economic oppression, restrictions on liberties as U.S. citizens and demanded reform from the government on how much authority they exerted into the lives of the everyday American. The initial purpose of the group, whom was formally known as the Farmer's Alliance) was to improve the farmer's financial condition and general welfare. The farmers were dedicated in challenging the liberties that was promised to Americans, addressing wealth inequalities and exposing as well as putting an end to political corruption. It was the desire of the Populists to see the Republic restored back into the hands of the citizens.As stated in Created Equal, "The Populist Party had a profound impact on the nation's political landscape in the 1890's" (p. 449). In a formal proposal that was created, which was the preamble to their conditions set forth for the government, it outlined every area where they wanted to spark change. The text details the scandals and the ways in which agricultural communities felt the oppression of power, money hungry political authorities. The Republican and Democratic political parties were more concerned with power and helping the rich acquire more possessions, over hurting, poor American citizens. The Populist attributed their poverty and financial distress to the high cost for them to utilize freights from railroad companies. Monopolies were placed upon the freight system and public officials used it as a means of unfair treatment towards the farmers. This further compelled the laborers in the agricultural industry, more so those from southern and western areas of the country, to assemble together to promote justice and fight against the system that refused to recognize them. True citizenship had to be restored along with the government having its rightful place dealing with affairs concerning the American citizen.
Railroad companies faced a striking blow in 1894 when 150,000 railroad union members went on strike due to facing a one-third reduction of wages (p.452). The government intervened and forced workers to go back to their jobs, as, it interfered with the delivery of the U.S. postal service. Union leaders refused to return back to work and were sentenced to jail for not following orders.
Government intervention on unfair prices and jacked taxes was the outcry from Populist. The background from which this stemmed from is due to the creation of The Pension Act of 1890. It was passed by Congress to provide income for disabled veterans. In order to fund this pension, Congress allowed for high taxes to be imposed on imported goods. Many states supported the law for high taxes because in return they could sell silver to the government, who promised in the Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890, that they would buy "4.5 million ounces of silver each month" (p. 450) by distributing banknotes that could be exchanged for gold. The benefit of both acts served in the interest of those who could take full advantage which furthermore disregarded the farmers.
Transportation and land were other areas of concerns for the farmers. The proposal suggested that the railroad system be managed, owned and operated by the government for the best interest of citizens. The railroad was a major mode of transporting goods for the agricultural business and it was their means of income. If the government was in charge of the railways, then it would be their responsibility to pay to keep it operating, thus, eliminating the high fees associated with it for farmers. They wanted relief from these unfair practices. The government also capitalized on land and the farmers mandate was that land was to be given back to the people or to those who were settlers in the land.
Eventually, a major component of the Populist Party became to be the debate of free silver. This was thought to be the most reasonable way to resolve their low crop prices and repelling deflation. The Farmers wanted to have in legislation that silver was to be officially recognized as currency. Money was not equally distrusted as they had to watch the rich flaunt their wealth and the government also frivolously spent money. As a result of irresponsible spending, within the Populists proposal for the use of revenue, they wanted it to be limited to the government and only used for necessary purposes.
Issues regarding labor unions caused an uproar between various religious groups and races. The nation's political structure was in ruins. While the populist group had a rise to fame, so to speak, during this timeframe, unfortunately, they also faced their demise as a group due to democratic representation. The Populist Party is a prime example in U.S. history in how the corruption of the nation's government was challenged and how citizens fought to gain recognition and demand justice as promised in the Constitution. Their demonstration in seeking a reconciled nation cannot be forgotten.
References
Foner, Eric. Voices of Freedom. New York: W.W. Norton & Company. 49-54. Print.
Jones, J., Wood, P., Borstelman, T, & May-Tyler, E. Created Equal. New Jersey: Pearson, 449-450. Print.