Why were the 1890s the critical period in the rise of American radicalism?

The 1890s were a critical period for American radicalism due to a combination of economic turmoil, labor unrest, and social upheaval. The Panic of 1893 triggered widespread unemployment and poverty, leading to increased dissatisfaction with the capitalist system. This unrest fueled the growth of various movements, such as the Populists advocating for agrarian rights and labor unions pushing for workers' rights. Additionally, the rise of socialism and anarchism during this time provided a platform for more radical critiques of American society and governance.