Populists party and Immigrants Study Paper.

What were the roots of the Populists party? How did it develop and what was its platform?

The Populist Party emerged in the early 1890s as a left-wing movement fighting against the material, moral and political ruin witnessed at the time. The party originated from the Farmer’s Alliance, a movement that was a concern with promoting farmer’s collective economic action, and Greenback Party, which fought for increased circulation of treasury notes (Murrin, 450). Populists party and Immigrants Study Paper.Evidently, the convention at Ocala Florida provided a platform for the formation of the Populist Party as an addition to the existing two parties. At the convention, the Farmer’s Alliance set out a clear political agenda that involved objectives like a direct election to the Senate, unlimited and free production of silver at 16:1, effective government control, a graduate income and the establishment of subtreasuries (Murrin, 450). Therefore, the Populist Party emerged as an alliance for enhancing the political agenda of farmers.Populists party and Immigrants Study Paper.

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The Farmer’s Alliance and Grangers realized that the Democrats and Republicans could not meet their demands. As a result, they sought to form the Populist Party to advance their agendas. The formation of the party faced opposition from Democrats composed of white southerners who expressed fear that the formation would lead to the return of African Americans and Republicans to power (Murrin, 451). By the year 1892 most members of the Farmer’s Alliance embraced and joined the Populist Party which provided a platform of expressing their objectives in fighting for the millions of oppressed people. They put forth the demands that had initially been raised in 1890 Ocala convention and also, demanded protection of labor unions against prosecution due to boycotts or strikes. Populists party and Immigrants Study Paper.The party nominated James B. Weaver and James G. Field for the posts of president and vice president, respectively to ensure peace between the eastern and western farmers (Murrin, 452). Therefore, the formation of the Populist Party sought to advocate for the rights of the oppressed farmers.

What were the patterns and causes of immigration into the US from 1890-1914?

Immigration into the United States increased tremendously between 1880 and 1920, increasing the number of immigrant’s population especially in the Midwest and Northeast. European migration constituted a majority of the immigrants who came although some states also had Japanese, Filipino, Mexican, French-Canadian and Chinese immigrants (Murrin 460). Between 1890 and 1914, European immigrants came into the US in large numbers from eastern and southern Europe (Murrin, 461). These immigrants were known as the “new immigrants” to distinguish them from previous immigrants from northwestern Europe who were considered more sophisticated. The new immigrants were viewed as being less sophisticated and politically immature.Populists party and Immigrants Study Paper.

Both the new and the old immigrants came into the United States due to political unrests in their country. Economic hardship was the other major reason that prompted the immigration of Europeans, Chinese, and Japanese especially those from the rural areas (Murrin, 462). Increase in population within their towns resulted in a high rate of unemployment. The development of infrastructure also affected traders as it exposed the people to cheaper commodities. As such, they were forced to migrate to the United States in search of better opportunities. Immigration among the European peasants happened after they had established contact in the United States (Murrin, 462). The search for a better life drove a large majority of people to leave their homes and move to the United States. Due to the industrialization, most Chinese from the rural areas were being absorbed, and as such, they fled to the United States to earn a livelihood. Immigrants from Europe, Japan, and China, came in with the mentality of making enough money then relocating back to their homes, but their plans did not withstand.Populists party and Immigrants Study Paper.

Similarities and Differences between African Americans and the immigrate experience of the 20^th Century

The African Americans moved into the United States against their will as they were sold as commodities. They were unwillingly dragged away from their family members and taken into slavery to a foreign land. Immigrants from other countries as seen in the film clip choose to immigrate to the United States because of various reasons like political instability, economic problems or they moved in search of a better life (McDonnel). They saw the United States as a new beginning in life and found freedom in this new country. On the contrary, African Americans lost their freedom in the new nation where they were regarded as savages meant to work for the whites.

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The African Americans and other immigrants led a poverty-stricken life with low wages poor housing. Immigrants led a life of suffering as low-income earners due to the color of their skin or their immigrant status.Populists party and Immigrants Study Paper. Although the blacks worked hard, they were poorly paid and lived in misery. Earlier on in the 20^th century, African Americans were not even allowed to vote or interact with whites (McDonnel). The immigrants and African Americans have, therefore, faced similarities in terms of their struggle for inclusion. However, the immigrants found it easier to interact with others because of their skin color and thus could easily achieve upward mobility as compared to the African Americans who struggled with oppression and racial discrimination.

Works Cited

McDonnell, John F. “The Century: America’s Time – The Beginning: Seeds of Change.” YouTube, 28 Dec. 2013, www.youtube.com/watch?v=dssfiPirT2U. Accessed 31 March, 2019.

Murrin, John M., et al. Liberty, equality, power: A history of the American people. Cengage Learning, 2011.Populists party and Immigrants Study Paper.