1. Aim: How successful were the Populists in solving America’s problems?
The Populist Movement
Aim: How successful were the Populists in solving America’s problems?

2. The Farmer is the Man The farmer is the man
Lives on credit till the fall
With the interest rates so high
It's a wonder he don't die
And the mortgage man's the one
That gets it all.
And his pants are wearing thin
His condition it's a sin
He's forgot that he's the man
That feeds them all.

3. I. Farmers’ Complaints
Many farmers were in debt and farms were foreclosed (new machinerygreater productionlower prices)
Tariffs raised prices of manufactured goods and shrank international market
Reduction in money supply caused deflation, a drop in prices of goods
The backing of the nation’s currency by gold (gold standard) limited money supply
1. Silverites called for “free silver”- unlimited coining of silver to cause inflation

4. II. The Farmers Protest
The Grange pushed for reforms such as railroad regulations & the printing of greenbacks to cause inflation (raise the price of goods)
The Farmers’ Alliances in many states also attempted to improve farmers’ situations
These alliances eventually formed the Populist Party (people’s party)

5. D. Populist Party Platform
1. increase in money supply (inflation)
2. unlimited coining of silver
3. federal ownership of railroads
4. graduated income tax
5. eight-hour work day
6. direct election of U.S. Senators

6. III. Election of 1896
Populists joined with Democrats, and William Jennings Bryan was the candidate
William McKinley, the Republican candidate, supported big business
Bryan gave his famous “Cross of Gold” speech condemning the gold standard
Bryan failed to win working class support in the Northeast and lost the election

7. IV. Significance
Although Populist Party faded, many of their ideas were later put into law during the Progressive Era
Third Parties, or minor parties, run for political office to introduce new ideas to major parties