lism seemed to be the perfect approach for a quick and effective solution for America's tribulations. This type of government, however, had many drawbacks, which ultimately halted the incline of this movement in American society. The socialist movement aimed to limit individuality, in that everyone would be equal no matter what his background or work ethic. This idea upset Americans to a great extent. People opposed to the socialist party were frightened that this total equality would take away many of the liberties and freedoms which the United States prides itself in. The socialist party is a brother of communism, a type of government that seems ideal on paper but has yet to beneficially effect society. The Rudkus family is beleaguered by incredibly negative misfortune, despite their hard work and efforts to make an honest living. It is, therefore, evident why Jurgis sees so much blighted energy emerging from socialism and its claims to a newfound glory for America. Socialism was a movement that had many great successors. Actions such as those enacted by reformists such as the Knights of Labor, the Progressives, and the Populists all had pertinent ideas that benefited American society. The Knights of Labor had superior qualities, which included their open membership to all kinds of people, the cooperative system, and the concept of producers verses non-producers. The Populists also focused on the clash between producers and non-producers. The ideals of reform through government, the banishment of laissez faire, and government regulation of mail, railroads, and telephones also were potent topics to reform towards in the People's Party. Ideally, the Knight of Labor and the People's Party with their strong ideas should have combined organizations with the Progressives, if it were not for the dates of enactment for each group. The Progressives ideas of temperance, settlement houses, anti-trust acts, and the domestication of...
