1. US Curriculums
  2. TEKS
  3. Grade 7
  4. Social Studies
  5. Describe and compare the impact of reform movements in Texas in the 19th and 20th centuries such as progressivism, populism, women's suffrage, agrarianism, labor reform, and the

Grade 7 · Social Studies

Describe and compare the impact of reform movements in Texas in the 19th and 20th centuries such as progressivism, populism, women's suffrage, agrarianism, labor reform, and the

Quarter 2 · Week 5 · TEKS

Standards Alignment

  • TEKS.113.19.07C primary
    describe and compare the impact of reform movements in Texas in the 19th and 20th centuries such as progressivism, populism, women's suffrage, agrarianism, labor reform, and the conservative movement of the late 20th century;
  • TEKS.113.19.07D primary
    describe and compare the civil rights and equal rights movements of various groups in Texas in the 20th century and identify key leaders in these movements such as James L. Farmer Jr., Hector P. Garcia, Oveta Culp Hobby, Lyndon B. Johnson, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Jane McCallum, and Lulu Belle Madison White; and

Companion Video Lesson

This text lesson has a separate video watch page so search engines and learners can treat the written lesson and the video lesson as distinct resources.

Open the dedicated video lesson page

Lesson Overview

This lesson explores the significant reform movements in Texas during the 19th and 20th centuries, including progressivism, populism, women's suffrage, agrarianism, labor reform, and the conservative movement. It also covers the civil rights and equal rights movements of various groups in Texas and highlights key leaders who influenced these changes. Students will describe and compare these movements' impacts on Texas history, connecting historical events to broader social and political changes.

Learning Objectives

  • Describe the major reform movements in Texas during the 19th and 20th centuries, including progressivism, populism, women's suffrage, agrarianism, labor reform, and the conservative movement of the late 20th century.
  • Compare the impacts of these reform movements on Texas society and government.
  • Describe the civil rights and equal rights movements of various groups in Texas in the 20th century.
  • Identify key leaders in Texas civil rights and equal rights movements such as James L. Farmer Jr., Hector P. Garcia, Oveta Culp Hobby, Lyndon B. Johnson, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Jane McCallum, and Lulu Belle Madison White.

Success Criteria

  • Students can explain the goals and outcomes of different reform movements in Texas.
  • Students can compare how these movements affected different groups and aspects of Texas society.
  • Students can identify and describe the contributions of key civil rights leaders in Texas.
  • Students can create timelines or charts that organize reform movements and their impacts.

Prerequisite Knowledge

Students should have a basic understanding of Texas history in the 19th and 20th centuries, including knowledge of social and political structures and the concept of reform movements.

Key Vocabulary

  • Progressivism
  • Populism
  • Women's Suffrage
  • Agrarianism
  • Labor Reform
  • Conservative Movement
  • Civil Rights Movement
  • Equal Rights Movement
  • League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
  • Key Leaders

Materials and Resources

  • Visual aids such as timelines, maps, and images of reform leaders and events
  • Primary source excerpts (speeches, letters, posters) related to reform movements
  • Chart paper or digital tools for creating timelines and comparison charts
  • Biographical summaries of key leaders

Teacher Preparation

  • Prepare visuals and primary source materials related to each reform movement.
  • Develop discussion questions that encourage comparison and critical thinking.
  • Organize materials for student activities such as timeline creation and group discussions.
  • Familiarize yourself with the biographies and contributions of key civil rights leaders in Texas.

Detailed Lesson Notes

Overview of Reform Movements in Texas

Reform movements are organized efforts to improve society by changing laws, policies, or social practices. In Texas during the 19th and 20th centuries, several important reform movements emerged, each addressing different issues. Progressivism aimed to address problems caused by industrialization and urbanization, such as corruption and poor working conditions. Populism represented the interests of farmers and rural citizens who sought economic reforms. Women's suffrage focused on securing voting rights for women. Agrarianism emphasized the importance of agriculture and rural life. Labor reform sought better wages, hours, and conditions for workers. The conservative movement of the late 20th century reacted to some of these changes by promoting traditional values and limited government intervention.

Progressivism in Texas

Progressivism in Texas was part of a national movement that sought to make government more responsive and efficient, reduce corruption, and improve social welfare. Progressives supported reforms such as regulation of railroads and businesses, improvements in public education, and child labor laws. In Texas, progressivism also included efforts to improve public health and promote moral reforms.

Populism and Agrarianism

Populism arose in response to economic hardships faced by farmers in Texas and across the South and Midwest. Populists advocated for policies like the regulation of railroads, the introduction of a more flexible currency system, and support for small farmers against large corporations. Agrarianism celebrated rural life and farming as the backbone of Texas society, emphasizing self-sufficiency and community values.

Women's Suffrage Movement

The women's suffrage movement in Texas fought for women's right to vote. Leaders like Jane McCallum worked tirelessly to organize campaigns, educate the public, and lobby lawmakers. The movement culminated in Texas women gaining the right to vote in primary elections before the 19th Amendment granted voting rights nationally. This movement significantly expanded democratic participation in Texas.

Labor Reform Movement

Labor reform in Texas focused on improving working conditions, reducing working hours, and securing fair wages for workers, especially in industries like oil, mining, and manufacturing. Labor unions and activists pushed for laws to protect workers and promote safety. These reforms helped shape Texas's industrial growth and workers' rights.

Conservative Movement of the Late 20th Century

The conservative movement in Texas during the late 20th century emphasized limited government, traditional social values, and economic freedom. It often opposed some earlier reform efforts, advocating for reduced government regulation and lower taxes. This movement influenced Texas politics and policies into the 21st century.

Civil Rights and Equal Rights Movements in Texas

In the 20th century, various groups in Texas fought for civil rights and equal rights. African Americans, Mexican Americans, women, and other minorities sought to end segregation, discrimination, and inequality. Key leaders included James L. Farmer Jr., who helped found the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and organized the Freedom Rides; Hector P. Garcia, who advocated for Mexican American veterans and civil rights; Oveta Culp Hobby, a leader in government and women's organizations; Lyndon B. Johnson, who as president supported civil rights legislation; Jane McCallum, a suffrage leader; and Lulu Belle Madison White, a civil rights activist with the NAACP. Organizations like the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) worked to advance Mexican American rights.

Comparing the Impact of Reform Movements

Each reform movement in Texas had unique goals and impacts but often overlapped in their efforts to improve society. Progressivism and populism both sought economic reforms but represented different constituencies. Women's suffrage expanded democratic participation. Labor reform improved workers' lives and conditions. The conservative movement shaped political responses to earlier reforms. Civil rights movements challenged social inequalities and expanded rights for minorities. Understanding these movements helps explain how Texas society and government evolved over time.

Worked Examples

Worked Example 1

Scenario

Compare the goals of the Populist and Progressive movements in Texas. How were they similar and how were they different?

Explanation

Both Populism and Progressivism sought to address economic and social problems, but Populism focused mainly on farmers' economic struggles and sought reforms like railroad regulation and currency changes. Progressivism had a broader agenda including government reform, social welfare, and labor protections. While both wanted to improve society, their constituencies and specific goals differed.

Answer Guide

Populism focused on helping farmers with economic reforms like regulating railroads and changing currency, while Progressivism aimed to improve government efficiency, social welfare, and labor conditions. Both wanted to fix problems caused by industrialization but represented different groups and goals.

Engage

Teacher Activity

Show students a timeline of Texas history highlighting key reform movements and ask them what changes they think people might have wanted during those times.

Student Activity

Students observe the timeline and share ideas about what problems people might have been trying to solve with reform movements.

Explanation

This activity activates prior knowledge and sets the stage for learning about specific reform movements by connecting historical periods to social change.

Examples

  • Students identify issues like unfair laws, lack of voting rights, poor working conditions, and social inequalities.
  • Students recognize that reform movements aim to improve society.

Explore

Teacher Activity

Provide students with short readings or primary source excerpts about progressivism, populism, women's suffrage, agrarianism, labor reform, and the conservative movement in Texas.

Student Activity

Students read and discuss the goals and actions of each reform movement in small groups.

Explanation

Exploring primary and secondary sources helps students understand the specific aims and contexts of each reform movement.

Examples

  • Students identify goals such as voting rights, economic reforms, labor protections, and social improvements.
  • Students recognize leaders and groups involved in the movements.

Explain

Teacher Activity

Lead a class discussion comparing the reform movements, highlighting similarities and differences in goals, methods, and impacts.

Student Activity

Students contribute to a class chart or Venn diagram comparing the reform movements.

Explanation

This phase helps students synthesize information and develop comparative understanding of the reform movements' impacts.

Examples

  • Students articulate similarities and differences among reform movements.
  • Students explain the significance of each movement's impact.

Elaborate

Teacher Activity

Introduce the civil rights and equal rights movements in Texas and key leaders. Discuss how these movements continued or differed from earlier reforms.

Student Activity

Students research one key leader or organization and present their contributions to the class.

Explanation

Elaborating on civil rights movements connects earlier reforms to ongoing struggles for equality and justice in Texas.

Examples

  • Students identify leaders like James L. Farmer Jr. and organizations like LULAC.
  • Students describe challenges such as discrimination and segregation.
  • Students explain the impact of civil rights activism.

Evaluate

Teacher Activity

Assign students to create a timeline or chart that organizes the reform movements and key civil rights leaders, explaining their impacts on Texas history.

Student Activity

Students create and present their timelines or charts, demonstrating understanding of the reform movements and leaders.

Explanation

This assessment allows students to demonstrate their knowledge and ability to compare and organize historical information.

Examples

  • Students produce accurate timelines or charts.
  • Students clearly explain the significance of movements and leaders.

Classroom Activity

Students read and discuss the goals and actions of each reform movement in small groups.

Guided Practice

Guided Practice 1

Prompt

What is one goal of the women's suffrage movement in Texas?

Teacher Answer Guide

To secure the right for women to vote.

Guided Practice 2

Prompt

Name two reform movements in Texas during the 19th and 20th centuries and one goal of each.

Teacher Answer Guide

Populism aimed to help farmers with economic reforms; Labor reform sought better working conditions and wages.

Guided Practice 3

Prompt

Explain how the labor reform movement affected workers in Texas.

Teacher Answer Guide

It improved wages, working hours, and safety for workers, especially in industries like oil and manufacturing.

Guided Practice 4

Prompt

Compare the impact of the progressive movement and the conservative movement in Texas during the 20th century.

Teacher Answer Guide

Progressivism introduced social and government reforms; conservatism emphasized limited government and traditional values, often opposing some reforms.

Guided Practice 5

Prompt

Identify one key leader from the Texas civil rights movement and describe their contribution.

Teacher Answer Guide

James L. Farmer Jr. helped organize the Freedom Rides and worked to end segregation and discrimination.

Independent Practice

  1. Foundational: What is one goal of the women's suffrage movement in Texas?
  2. Developing: Name two reform movements in Texas during the 19th and 20th centuries and one goal of each.
  3. Application: Explain how the labor reform movement affected workers in Texas.
  4. Analysis: Compare the impact of the progressive movement and the conservative movement in Texas during the 20th century.
  5. Challenge: Identify one key leader from the Texas civil rights movement and describe their contribution.

Independent Practice Teacher Answer Key

  1. 1. To secure the right for women to vote.
  2. 2. Examples: Populism - to help farmers with economic reforms; Labor reform - to improve working conditions and wages.
  3. 3. The labor reform movement improved workers' lives by pushing for better wages, shorter working hours, and safer working conditions, especially in industries like oil and manufacturing.
  4. 4. The progressive movement introduced reforms to improve government and social welfare, while the conservative movement later emphasized limited government and traditional values, often opposing some progressive reforms. Both shaped Texas politics but had different approaches to change.
  5. 5. James L. Farmer Jr. was a key leader who helped organize the Freedom Rides and worked to end segregation and discrimination in Texas and the U.S.

Guiding Questions

  • What problems did reform movements in Texas try to solve?
  • How did different reform movements compare in their goals and methods?
  • Who were key leaders in Texas civil rights movements, and what did they accomplish?
  • How did reform movements shape Texas history and society?

Common Misconceptions

  • All reform movements had the same goals and methods; in reality, they addressed different issues and represented different groups.
  • The conservative movement was simply against all reforms; it was a complex movement with specific goals about government and society.
  • Civil rights movements only involved African Americans; other groups like Mexican Americans and women also fought for equal rights in Texas.

Differentiation

Support and Intervention

Provide graphic organizers to help students compare reform movements. Use simplified texts and summaries for students needing reading support.

English-Language Learner Support

Use visuals and key vocabulary cards to support English language learners. Allow ELL students to work in pairs or groups to discuss concepts before writing.

Advanced and Extension

Encourage advanced students to research additional reform movements or leaders not covered in class. Have advanced students analyze primary source documents in depth and present findings.

Assessment

  • Class discussion comparing reform movements.
  • Group presentations on key civil rights leaders.
  • Creation of comparison charts or timelines.
  • List two reform movements in Texas and one impact of each.
  • Name one key leader in the Texas civil rights movement and describe their role.
  • Write an essay comparing the goals and impacts of two reform movements in Texas.
  • Create a detailed timeline showing reform movements and key leaders in Texas history.

Answer Guide

  • What is one goal of the women's suffrage movement in Texas?
    Answer: To secure the right for women to vote.
  • Name two reform movements in Texas during the 19th and 20th centuries and one goal of each.
    Answer: Populism aimed to help farmers with economic reforms; Labor reform sought better working conditions and wages.
  • Explain how the labor reform movement affected workers in Texas.
    Answer: It improved wages, working hours, and safety for workers, especially in industries like oil and manufacturing.
  • Compare the impact of the progressive movement and the conservative movement in Texas during the 20th century.
    Answer: Progressivism introduced social and government reforms; conservatism emphasized limited government and traditional values, often opposing some reforms.
  • Identify one key leader from the Texas civil rights movement and describe their contribution.
    Answer: James L. Farmer Jr. helped organize the Freedom Rides and worked to end segregation and discrimination.

Real-Life Application

Encourage students to interview family members about their knowledge or experiences related to voting rights, labor laws, or civil rights in Texas to connect history to personal stories.

Homework or Home Connection

  • Encourage students to interview family members about their knowledge or experiences related to voting rights, labor laws, or civil rights in Texas to connect history to personal stories.

Lesson Summary

This lesson examined major reform movements in Texas during the 19th and 20th centuries, including progressivism, populism, women's suffrage, agrarianism, labor reform, and the conservative movement. Students learned to describe and compare these movements' goals and impacts. The lesson also covered civil rights and equal rights movements, highlighting key leaders who fought for social justice and equality in Texas. Understanding these movements helps explain how Texas society and government evolved over time.

Teacher Notes

Use the exact standards alignment and retrieved-source provenance stored with this enrichment.

Related Lessons