1. The Progressive Era in Texas Unit 8.2 Notes continued
Populism, Religious Reforms, and Discrimination

2. Populism
Many struggling farmers believed government reforms were necessary. In August 1891, they founded a new political party in Dallas called the Texas People’s Party (or Populist Party).
Their goal was to create policies that benefitted farmers.
The Populists welcomed African American farmers, including J.B. Rayner, a former slave who became a successful writer, politician, and educator.
Some populist candidates were elected to important offices in Texas and granted benefits to farmers.

3. J.B. Rayner

4. Religious Reforms
Progressives focused on social morality, a return to religion, and community service.
The Young Men’s Christian Association (Y.M.C.A.) was a very influential organization that successfully promoted “daily evangelical Christianity,” while promoting good sportsmanship in athletic contests in gyms. The YMCA remains much the same today.

5. Discrimination in Texas
Democratic Party passed Jim Crow laws, that discriminated against African Americans and many Mexican-Americans. These laws blocked these people from using public hotels, restaurants, and attending entertainment events.
Discrimination was present in housing and education, too. African Americans, as well as Mexican-Americans lived in sections of towns with inadequate housing, lighting, sewage, and police protection. Children attended separate schools which were often poorly constructed, lacking basic school equipment and supplies.

7. Discrimination in Texas
Racial unrest led to violence. Those accused of minor crimes were sometimes lynched by mobs (usually K.K.K.).
Ku Klux Klan was a politically powerful group during this time.
Democratic Party requires payment of a poll tax and adopts a “whites only” restriction for the primary election. These bar most African Americans from voting and/or participating in politics.

8. Ku Klux Klan

9. NAACP and Mutualistas
1912 – In Houston, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (N.A.A.C.P.) began. They worked to end discrimination and create racial equality.
Mexican Americans joined labor unions and formed mutualistas (mutual assistance societies) to provide community service with weddings, funerals, and aid to the poor.

10. NAACP

11. Mutualistas