1. Farmers and Populism
FOCUS QUESTION: What led to the rise of the Populist movement, and what effect did it have?

2. Economic Problems for Farmers
Prices for crops were falling (bushel of wheat fell from $2.00 to $0.68 from 1867 to 1887)
Prices to transport crops was rising
Prices for seed & supplies were rising
Result ~ Farmers were falling deeper and deeper into debt each year

3. Mary Elizabeth Lease Populist Movement Spokesman
“What you farmers need to do is to raise less corn and more Hell! We want the accursed foreclosure system wiped out…We will stand by our homes and stay by our firesides by force if necessary, and we will not pay our debts to the loan-shark companies until the Government pays its debts to us.”

4. Farmers Organize to Fight Back
The Grange ( s)
Organized by Oliver H. Kelley; unites Midwestern farmers
Goals: education about new farming techniques; regulate railroad rates
Farmers’ Alliances
Farming organizations that continue to push for reform (change)

5. The Populist (People’s) Party - A political party formed by farmers to
help them solve their problems

6. The Omaha Platform The platform (goals) of the Populist Party
Use silver to back money instead of gold
Graduated Income taxes
Government control of railroad companies & businesses
Direct election of senators by the people

7. Why is coining silver important to the Populists?
There was more silver than gold
If the government used silver to create money than there would be more money
This would lead to higher prices, which helps farmers
Why is coining silver important to the Populists?

8. Republican William McKinley Democrat William Jennings Bryan
Election of 1896
Republican William McKinley
Gold Standard Supporter
Democrat William Jennings Bryan
Bimetallism Supporter

9. The Election of 1896 William Jennings Bryan (Democrat)
“Cross of Gold” speech attacks those who oppose coining silver (goldbugs)
Populists decide to support him as their candidate
William McKinley (Republican)
Wins election

10. …but his legacy of reforms would live on
William Jennings Bryan would lose the Presidential elections in 1896, 1900, & 1908
…but his legacy of reforms would live on

11. Legacy of Populism
Farmers proved they could organize and have a political impact
The agenda of Populist reforms remained and many were put into place in the early 20th Century:
a. Graduated income tax
b. Direct election of Senators

12. In Summary
Causes
Event
Farmers Organize
Effects

14. Political Poster Requirements
Must have Slogan or “Catch Phrase” to attract people’s attention
Must have at least 3 reasons why someone would support the Party – you must say why these issues are important and why people should vote for the Populist Party, Democratic Party or Republican Party
Must have a picture or image on a platform issue, which must be in color