Today in history

March 30

1891
Signaling a growing movement toward direct political action among desperate western farmers, “Sockless” Jerry Simpson called on the Kansas Farmers’ Alliance to work for a takeover of the state government. Simpson was one of the most well-known and influential leaders among Populist-minded western and midwestern farmers of the late 19th century. Angered over low crop prices, crippling bank loans and high shipping rates, farmers began to unite in self-help groups like the Grange and the Farmers’ Alliances. Initially, these groups primarily provided mutual assistance to members while agitating for the regulation of railroads and grain elevators. Increasingly, though, they became centers of support for more sweeping political change by uniting to help form the new nationwide third-party movement known as the Populists.

“Sockless” Jerry Simpson

1919
Closure of shops in protest against Rowlatt Bills begins, New Delhi. (1919)
1948
Henry Wallace criticizes Truman’s Cold War policies. Henry Wallace, former vice-president (Franklin D. Roosevelt) and current Progressive Party presidential candidate, lashes out at the Cold War policies of President Harry S. Truman. Wallace and his supporters were among the few Americans who actively voiced criticisms of America’s Cold War mindset during the late-1940s and 1950s.

read more on his warnings about American facists
1970
After years of struggle and a nationwide boycott, the United Farm Workers sign the first table-grape contract with two of California’s largest grape growers.
1978
In the Philippines, 10,000 demonstrate against Marcos.
1980
80,000 demonstrate against nuclear power, Wackersdorf, Germany.