Populists, Progressives, and the Making of American Democracy

Micah Wright, Assistant Professor, History

This presentation examines the rise of the Populist and Progressive strains in American political organization and thought from the aftermath of the Civil War to World War I. It argues that despite their failures and excesses, both the Populists and Progressives reshaped and democratized U.S. politics. 

Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | 2:00 PM