Post on 28-Jan-2021
Industrial AgePopulism Unites Farmers
I. Farmers Face Problems
A. Late 1800’s Western farmers in trouble:
1. Rising _____________________
2. Falling _____________________ prices
3. Overcharging by railroads
4. Weather problems
B. Farmers seek _____________________ – had borrowed from banks when “greenbacks” were in circulation – now being forced to repay loans in gold-backed money.
II. The Grange
A. 1867, farmers create organization known as Patrons of Husbandry or _____________________
1. Starts as _____________________ organization – becomes _____________________
2. Begins discussing farmers perceived abuses by Eastern _____________________ and _____________________
What do you see in this political cartoon?
III. Populist Movement
A. Populism – political movement that grew out of Granger organization
B. Protested railroad abuses such as unfair pricing and rebates for big business
C. OMAHA PLATFORM:
1. _____________________
2. _____________________
3. _____________________
4. _____________________
5. _____________________
IV. Economic Crisis
A. _____________________ – Banks collapse, 20% unemployment
1. Farmers (and others) suffer, Democrats and Republicans battle over how to fix issues
B. Election of 1896 – Key issue: _____________________ –
1. Republicans: Support of Northern business and industry, favor GOLD STANDARD
2. Democrats and Populists: Support of Southern and Western farmers, favor _____________________ (Silver and gold backed currency) AKA “Free Silver”
V. The Cross of Gold
A. Nebraska politician _____________________ gives famous “_____________________”, advocating money backed by both Silver and Gold
B. Democrats so impressed, choose him to run for President
C. 1896 – William Jennings Bryan (Dem./Pop) vs. William McKinley (Republican)
VI. End of Populism
A. _____________________ wins the election
B. Populist Movement dies, but leaves lasting legacies:
1. Demonstrates that downtrodden can organize politically and _____________________
2. _____________________ will be carried out in 20th century