Podcast Summary: "Mary Elizabeth Lease" Stuff You Missed in History Class
Hosts: Holly Fry & Tracy B. Wilson
Release Date: January 6, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "Mary Elizabeth Lease," hosts Holly Fry and Tracy B. Wilson delve into the life and legacy of one of the most dynamic and controversial figures of the Gilded Age. Mary Elizabeth Lease emerges as a multifaceted character whose activism and rhetoric left an indelible mark on American politics, particularly within the populist movement.

Early Life and Background

Mary Elizabeth Lease was born on September 11, 1853, in Ridgeway, Pennsylvania, to Irish immigrant parents, Joseph P. Clyons and Mary Elizabeth Murray Clyons. Her upbringing was steeped in political turmoil; her father and two brothers served in the Union Army during the Civil War, with tragic outcomes [03:16]. This early exposure to conflict and loss likely shaped her staunch political views.

Tracy B. Wilson [03:55]: "Mary had a deep disdain for pretty much all Democrats," attributing her disdain to the Democratic Party's role in the Civil War and her family's suffering.

Marriage and Early Career

At 15, Mary graduated from St. Elizabeth's Academy and briefly taught in Pennsylvania before relocating to Kansas for better opportunities. Her marriage to Charles L. Lease in 1873 marked a significant shift. Although she became a homemaker, Mary's restless intellect led her to write and engage in political activism.

Holly Fry [05:44]: "Mary was pregnant when they made this move to Denison. And she gave birth to their first child, Charles Henry."

The couple's venture into farming was short-lived, leading to financial struggles and a subsequent move to Denison, Texas, where Mary balanced work as a washerwoman with studying law—a testament to her resilience and determination [07:35].

Rise as a Political Activist

Mary's foray into activism gained momentum through her involvement with the Women's Christian Temperance Union and the Knights of Labor. Her powerful oratory skills and passionate speeches made her a prominent figure advocating for labor reforms, women's suffrage, and farmers' rights.

Holly Fry [09:20]: "Mary Elizabeth had a resounding voice and a knack for forceful phraseology that carried conviction and enthusiasm."

Her alignment with the Union Labor Party in 1888 saw her running for public office, although electoral success eluded her initially [13:05].

Conflict with Senator John James Ingalls

A pivotal moment in Mary's activism was her fierce opposition to Kansas Republican Senator John James Ingalls. Ingalls, an anti-suffrage advocate, became Mary's arch-nemesis, leading to a public feud characterized by sharp rhetoric and personal attacks.

Holly Fry [14:43]: Ingalls described women's suffrage using derogatory terms reminiscent of 1960s conservative rhetoric, which Mary vehemently opposed.

Their conflict escalated to legal battles, culminating in Mary successfully defending her position before the Kansas Supreme Court. However, the intense dispute tarnished her political standing and adversely affected the Populist Party's reputation [23:26].

"Wall Street Owns the Country" Speech

One of Mary's most renowned speeches, often titled "Wall Street Owns the Country," encapsulated her critique of the American economic system. She denounced the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few, advocating for significant reforms to empower the common people.

Mary Elizabeth Lease [17:19]:
"This is a nation of inconsistencies. Wall Street owns the country. It is no longer a government of the people, by the people and for the people, but a government of Wall Street by Wall Street and for Wall Street."

The speech highlighted issues such as wealth inequality, the detrimental effects of monopolies, and the need for systemic change to address the plight of farmers and laborers.

Later Activism and Legacy

Mary's activism continued beyond the Populist Party, as she engaged with the Bull Moose Party and supported Theodore Roosevelt's 1912 campaign, although she later distanced herself due to political disagreements [35:06]. Her published work, The Problem of Civilization Solved (1895), further illustrated her controversial views, including overtly racist and white supremacist ideologies under the guise of social reform [28:48].

Despite her contributions to various reform movements, Mary's legacy is marred by her problematic rhetoric and associations with supremacist beliefs. She retired from active politics by the end of the 1910s but remained involved in advocacy for women's interests until her death in 1933.

Conclusion

Mary Elizabeth Lease was a complex figure whose fervent activism and oratory significantly influenced the populist movement and American politics during the Gilded Age. While she championed causes like labor rights and women's suffrage, her legacy is also tainted by deeply problematic and racist viewpoints that reflect the darker aspects of the era's social and political landscape.

Tracy B. Wilson [37:00]: "That is what is kind of a very abbreviated version of Mary Elizabeth Lease, because she was so publicly active that there is a lot of documentation of not only just what she said, but how people perceived her, which was not always great."

Mary's life serves as a window into the repetitive nature of political and social struggles in the U.S., echoing many issues still prevalent today.

Notable Quotes:

• Mary Elizabeth Lease [17:19]:
  "Wall street owns the country. It is no longer a government of the people, by the people and for the people, but a government of Wall Street by Wall Street and for Wall Street."

• Holly Fry [03:16]:
  "Mary had a deep disdain for pretty much all Democrats."

• Tracy B. Wilson [03:55]:
  "Mary had a deep disdain for pretty much all Democrats."

This episode offers a comprehensive look into Mary Elizabeth Lease's life, balancing her achievements with the critical examination of her less admirable beliefs, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of her impact on American history.