Curated OER
The Populists Movement 1880s - 1890s
What is it about the Populists and The Wizard of Oz? Use hard facts about the Populist Movement to find out. The presentation provides good background information on the Populists, their political platform, and life in the 1890s. It then...
Curated OER
Populism
In this online interactive American history worksheet, learners answer 10 multiple choice questions regarding the Populist party reform movement. Students may submit their answers to be scored.
Other
Austin Community Coll.: Populism & Political Realignment
Austin Community College provides a scholarly analysis of the characteristics, demands, and obstacles faced by the Populists. Discusses the impact of Populist politics on the 1894-96 elections and on the Republican and Democrat parties.
Other
Earliest Voices: Gallery From the Vincent Voice Library
This site addresses the advent of the voice recording. The introduction talks about the country at the time of this invention, the feelings of people on the topic, and early recording itself. Included are voice recordings of such...
Stanford University
Sheg: Document Based History: Reading Like a Historian: The Gilded Age
[Free Registration/Login Required] Young scholars read primary source documents to solve a problem surrounding historical questions. The Gilded Age unit highlights the turbulent changes that characterized the end of the nineteenth century.
Stanford University
Sheg: Document Based History: Reading Like a Historian: Populism: 1896 Election
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students use primary source documents to solve a problem surrounding a historical question. This document-based inquiry lesson allows students to read two Populist speeches in order to explain why the...
Curated OER
History Matters: The Omaha Platform: Launching the Populist Party
This History Matters website provides the Populist Party platform, as well as a brief write-up introducing this primary resource, which marked the formation of a new -- though short lived -- political party.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Populists Advocate Easy Money
This resource outlines the economic policies advocated by the Populists, including a demand for the unlimited coinage of silver.
Digital History
Digital History: Populism
Explains what populism is and its history within the context of American politics.
History Tools
History Tools: Sen. William Peffer, the Mission of the Populist Party
Written by Senator William Peffer, a member of the Populist party, this essay clearly states the goals and beliefs of the Populist Party.
Other
Socialist Worker: The Promise and Failure of Populism
Read how the Populist struggle brought together Blacks with poor whites in a challenge against the Southern elite in the 1890s. [April 2012]
Missouri State University
Southwest Missouri State University: Documents on the Populist Party
Provides links to several documents related to the Populist Party, including: National People's Party Platform, The Negro Question in the South, The Tramp Circular, The "Cross of Gold" Speech, What's the Matter with Kansas, Another...
Other
Authentic History Center: The Election of 1896
Detailed description of the issues, politicians, and campaigns that were a part of the 1896 election in the United States. William McKinley defeated William Jennings Bryan and became President. Includes many primary sources.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Roots of the Movement
Progressivism got a push from the Populist movement, a reaction to the forgettable presidents and laissez-faire government in the Gilded Age. Find a listing of authors who wrote about progressive ideas, and see what influence populism...
Oregon Secretary of State
Oregon History: Troubled Times
Although this site concerns itself with Oregon, the issues are nationwide. Article discusses the background of the Populist movement.
Oklahoma Historical Society
Oklahoma State University: Enclopedia of History and Culture: Thomas Gore
Learn about the personal life and career of Oklahoma senator Thomas Gore. Includes a discussion of his blindness and involvement in the Populist movement.
PBS
Wnet: Thirteen: The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow: Populist Party
Read about how "the Populists challenged white supremacy by forming coalitions between black and white farmers who shared a common cause." Part of a larger website called "Jim Crow Stories", this brief article paints the Populist Party...
Tom Richey
Tom Richey: Agrarian Movements and Populism
While the explosion of industry had its positive marks on the economy, it also took its toll on some aspects of the nation. This slideshow will illustrate the problems and societal changes many farmers, immigrants, labor unions, and the...
History Teacher
Historyteacher.net: Populism: Quiz (2)
This 10-question multiple choice quiz is immediately scored and covers the Populist movement.
Shmoop University
Shmoop: Progressive Era Politics
Read this overview of the Progressive Era to find out about the economic, political, and philosophical conditions of the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that led to changes in working conditions, reforms in...
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Major Concerns of the Populists
Outline of the major issues at the heart of the Populist movement, as well as a history of the movement.
Other
Kevin Baker: The Populists
Essay on the history of the Populist party including reasons for its formation, notable people within the party, its political agenda, and its struggle to achieve country-wide support.