Although William Jennings Bryan and the populists went down to defeat in 1896, they helped launch an extended period of governmental and social reform. Beginning with the Populists and the Progressives, this survey will examine the course of twentieth-century American politics, aiming to understand the elaboration of liberal reform during the period, as well as conservative resistance to and eventual triumph over it. We will focus in particular on the transformations of the Democratic and Republican parties; the changes in the American presidency; the expanding parameters of governmental power; and the debates over America's role abroad. Evaluation will be based on class participation, quizzes, a midterm, and a final exam. No enrollment limit. Open to all. Group A

Hour: MERRILL