The Populist Party Demands Reforms Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890: authorized the U.S. Treasury to buy 4.5 million ounces of silver a month, put more money into circulation in an attempt to help farmers –The South Turns to Populism Many Southern Democrats move to Populist Party Marion Butler- Populist Party Member –A Populist for President James B. Weaver –Graduated income tax: taxation of higher earnings more heavily –Government ownership of railroads –The Panic of 1893: Economic Crisis Stock Market on Wall Street Crash Banks closed Economic Depression

The Election of 1896 William Jennings Bryan –S–Supported the minting of silver –*–*Also known as prosecutor in the “Scopes Monkey Trial” –B–Bryan’s Campaign 600 speeches in 14 weeks Republicans nominate William McKinley as the man who could beat Bryan “Cross of Gold” Speech

1896 –The Front Porch Campaign William McKinley spoke only at his Canton, Ohio home. Delegates came to see him at his home. Full Dinner Pan Unemployment would rise, wages would be cut –Populism Declines Depression ends Gold in Canada, Alaska, and South Africa increase money supply