1. Today’s Activity
Use a multi-flow map like the one below to analyze the early Texas reforms.
Results
REFORMS
The Grange
EARLY
REFORMS
IN TEXAS
Farmer’s
Alliance
Populist
Party

2. Early Reform Movements in Texas

3. Reform Movements
Texans felt that the state government needed to change to keep pace.
The citizens began to demand REFORMS.
Reform: change made to improve something
Reform movements generally argued for better working and social conditions for a group of people or business interests.

4. Populism
Nationwide movement of rural citizens who had not benefited from the modern lifestyle made by the growth in industry
Goal in TX – wanted the government of the people to protect the interest of common workers vs

5. The Grange 1873 – Also called the Patron of Husbandry
Offered cooperation in business, social activities among farmers, & better educational opportunities
Focused on lowering railroad shipping rates
Results: Pressured the state to pass several laws to regulate/control railroads

6. Farmers Alliance
Began in the mid 1870s in response to debt incurred by farmer in TX
Consisted of farmers, ranchers, & farm laborers
Fostered new cooperation stores
Spread throughout South TX
Results: Formed a political party in 1892, knowns as the Populist Party (People’s Party)

7. Populist Party
Goals:
Demanded government regulation of businesses, public ownership of railroads, telephone, and telegraph lines, and elimination of the national banking system.
Called for labor reform (8 hour workday)
Results: Won some elections but movement faded

8. Labor Unions Texas Farmers Union
1902- A small newspaper editor organized this Union after the failure of the Populist Party
They were active in agricultural and rural public policies.

9. Progressivism
Social reform movement based on improving society through the power of government
Goals:
to remove corruption in government
to involve people more directly in politics
to get the government involved in solving social problems.

10. James Hogg Helped start the Texas Railroad Commission
Texas Railroad Commission regulated oil prices
First native born Texan to become Governor
Noted advocate of law enforcement and a crusader against crime
Was elected governor with support of groups like the Texas Farmers Union, Farmer’s Alliance, and the Grange