New South Political Changes

Bourbon Democrats AKA Bourbon Redeemers Date - 1877 Leaders Bourbon Triumvirate: John B. Gordon Alfred E. Colquitt Joseph E. Brown Atlanta Constitution editor Henry Grady was strong supporter

Bourbon Democrats Policies: Wanted to undo Reconstruction Ignited fears of black rule & social equality Believed South’s prosperity dependent on manufacturing & industry, not cotton Favored low taxes, limited role for government & one-party politics

Independent Democrats Date - Organized in 1874, peaked in 1878, died out in 1882 Leaders Dr. William Felton Rebecca Latimer Felton NW Georgia farmers organized the movement

Independent Democrats Policies: Challenged Bourbon Redeemers Concerned that farmers and “little people” were suffering from favoritism toward industry

Farmers’ Alliance Date – 1887 Leader – Tom Watson

Farmers’ Alliance Policies: Self-help farmers’ organization Efforts resulted in “farmers’ legislature” for 2 years Called for better schools, roads, & changes in state laws to ease the burden on farmers Challenged RRs for charging higher rates to small farmer Rural Free Delivery (RFD)

Populists (People’s Party) Date – 1890 Leaders Tom Watson National Movement in US

Populists (People’s Party) Policies: Supported equality of black and white farmers Called for farmers to unite against merchants, bankers, and lawyers who lived in cities

Progressives Date – 1906 Leader – Hoke Smith

Progressives Policies: Stressed white supremacy and put in place the poll tax, white primary, literacy test, and the grandfather clause Wanted to improve moral and social conditions in the South, especially in the areas of child labor, prison reform, prohibition, and voting for women