This video lecture covers Chapter 20 of a US Modern History course, focusing on the Progressive Era (roughly 1890-1920). The lecture explores the socio-political changes of this period, including the impact of the 1893 depression, the rise of the Populist Party, the disenfranchisement of Black voters in the South, and the presidencies of Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson.
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The 1893 Depression: A severe economic depression triggered by a stock market crash led to widespread unemployment, homelessness, and social unrest. Jacob Coxey's Army's march on Washington highlighted the desperation of the unemployed. The Democratic Party, under President Grover Cleveland, bore the brunt of the blame.
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The Populist Party: This party emerged as an alternative to the Democratic Party, aiming to represent the interests of poor white and Black farmers and workers. Their efforts were largely thwarted by the Democrats' aggressive disenfranchisement tactics in the South.
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Disenfranchisement in the South: Democrats employed poll taxes, literacy tests, violence, and other methods to systematically disenfranchise Black voters and many poor whites, solidifying their political dominance in the region for decades. The Supreme Court's Plessy v. Ferguson decision (1896) legalized segregation under the "separate but equal" doctrine.
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Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson: Both presidents, while initially aligning with established business interests, embraced progressive reforms during their terms. Roosevelt, considered the first progressive president, championed worker rights, conservation, and antitrust legislation. Wilson, though initially more moderate, ultimately championed women's suffrage, healthcare reform, and increased federal power. The 1912 election, featuring Roosevelt's "Bull Moose" Progressive Party, dramatically shifted American politics.
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The Shift in American Politics: The Progressive Era saw a fundamental shift in American politics, marked by increased grassroots activism and a more personal style of campaigning. The focus shifted towards local issues and the direct impact of government policies on individual lives.
