1. Farmers & Populism

2. What was Populism?
Populism= 3rd party political movement; Consisted of poor farmers, small landholders, & poor urban workers

3. Farmers’ Struggles 2 main issues impacted farmers:
1) After Civil War, prices of crops dropped Led to increased debt; Costs of conducting business rose, farmers mortgaged property; Became tenant farmers
2) Practices of Big Business= Railroad companies had a monopoly on transportation of crops/livestock; Banks set high interest rates on loans

4. Farmers Unite Farmers began to organize in late 1800s
The Grange= Midwest; Provided education on farming techniques & wanted regulation of railroad & grain elevator rates; Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota set maximum rates for shipping & grain storage
Farmers Alliances accomplished= 1) Formed collectives/organization to sell crops 2) Called on gov. to form sub-treasuries( Postal Banks) to provide low interest loans
Organization of farmers= Regulation of railroad & grain elevator rates

5. Populism & the Populist Party
Late 19th century political movement; Goals:
1) Fight political corruption, inadequate money supply, & an unresponsive government
2) Fight low prices of crops; Supported the coinage of silver
3) Wanted government ownership of railroads
Presidential election of 1892= Loss for Populists; but did well for a 3rd party

6. Economic Crisis & Populism’s Decline
Panic of 1893= Serious economic depression; Causes:
1) Railroad overbuilding; Shaky railroad financing
2) Series of droughts; Left farmers short of cash to pay off loans
Election of 1896= Populists supported Democratic nominee William Jennings Bryan
Advocated reforms that Populists supported; Chose to support Bryan
1) Coinage of Silver
2) Supported farmers & their situation
Bryan would lose to William McKinley