Washington State’s local governance system was forged during two of our nation’s great mass democratic political actions – the Populist and Progressive movements. The cultural, economic and political forces that informed our state’s creation and development provide insight into how social movements develop and what factors contribute to their success and failure. Students will engage in primary source research of events that occurred following Washington’s territorial years to just prior to World War I. Class sessions will be interactive, combining presentations by the instructor and guests with seminar discussions. Learning objectives include developing student's critical thinking and writing skills.