Divisions Between 19th Century Trade Unionists, Populists, and Socialists
This paper explains why the populist, socialist, and trade union movements in America failed to make common cause during the 19th century. Four primary sources are used, including works by Marx and De Leon. The paper discusses the influence of the currency controversy in weakening ties between the socialist and populist political movements, as well as the place of race and gender in weakening these movements among the general population. It concludes by describing the sharp rise and abrupt downfall of these cooperative-ethic movements shortly after World War I.
