Why was it more Difficult for the American Farmer To make a living?

What happened to prices from 1865-1913?

Farmer's Plight Technological improvements meant more crops were produced, and prices lowered At the same time, new investments in technology like reapers & plows cost money Shipping costs were especially expensive, because railroad companies charged higher rates to farmers

Written by a Farmer at the End of the 19th century When the banker says he's broke And the merchant’s up in smoke, They forget that it's the farmer who feeds them all. It would put them to the test If the farmer took a rest; Then they'd know that it's the farmer feeds them all.

The Farmer’s Alliance

The Grange And the Farmer's Alliance

Railroads In an exception to the traditional laissez-faire policy, government began regulating railroads with the Interstate Commerce Commission.

The Populist Party

Omaha Platform of 1892 System of “sub-treasuries.” Abolition of the National Bank. Direct election of Senators. Govt. ownership of RRs, telephone & telegraph companies. Government-operated postal savings banks. Restriction of undesirable immigration. 8-hour work day for government employees. Abolition of the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Australian secret ballot. Re-monetization of silver. “Free Silver” A single term for President & Vice President.

Sub-Treasuries These are government-run local sub-treasuries would have amounted to warehouse-banks where farmers could deposit crops and withdraw a portion of their market value for cash flow purposes while awaiting better market prices.     

Populism’s 4 Main Points 1) Increasing democracy 2) Improvements for factory workers 3) A monetary policy that favors farmers 4) More government intervention in business

Bi-Metallism Issue

Coxey’s Army, 1894 Jacob Coxey & his “Army of the Commonweal of Christ.” Example of the in the 1890s

The 1896 Election

Bryan’s “Cross of Gold” Speech You shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns; you shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold!

Into Which Box Will the Voter of ’96 Place His Ballot?

1896 Election Results

Why did the Republicans win? Big business was still a powerful influence on politics. McKinley promoted industry, the gold standard, and high tariffs. Populist Democrats were not able to connect with urban factory workers.

The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

1964: Henry Littlefield’s “Thesis”?

What are the legacies of Populism? Democrats absorbed many of their platform ideas. These would later be promoted by Progressives. Challenged big business and political corruption! Populist party declines after this election.