Today’s edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, featured Tom Alter, Associate Professor of History at Texas State University, who joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the populist movement of the 1880s and 1890s, its impact on American politics and how it relates to modern-day populist sentiments.
The populist movement of the late 19th century emerged from a coalition of farmers and laborers fighting against economic exploitation. Alter highlighted Texas as a hotbed of economic radicalism during this period, with farmers and railroad workers uniting under organizations like the Farmers Alliance and the Knights of Labor. These groups initially attempted to create cooperative economic structures to bypass exploitative middlemen, but when these efforts failed, they turned to political action, forming the People's Party in 1891.
The People's Party advocated for progressive reforms such as a graduated income tax, direct election of senators and secret ballots. Alter argued that while the party itself was ultimately unsuccessful, its platform put pressure on mainstream parties to adopt these reforms. However, the movement's push for economic and political equality for Black Americans led to a backlash, resulting in the codification of Jim Crow laws and increased racial violence. This repression, Alter contends, has left a lasting impact on American society.
Comparing historical populism to modern movements, Alter distinguished between genuine populist sentiments and demagogues, who exploit economic anxieties. He argued that while figures like Donald Trump tap into populist anger, they often redirect it towards nationalism and scapegoating rather than addressing core economic issues. Alter emphasized the importance of understanding this history to better navigate current political landscapes and the potential for independent working-class political action.
Listen to the full episode to dive deeper into the parallels between historical and modern populism.
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