1. Agraian Discontent

2. I. The Plight of Farmers
Farmers struggled due to overproduction of crops
Farmers became entangled in web of debt
Railroads charged farmers high shipping rates

3. II. The Granger Movement
Grange: formed by Oliver Kelley (1867)
Pooled farmers resources to set up mills, banks, to aid farmers
Granger laws – regulate transportation and storage rate
Munn v. Illinois (1877) railroads must submit to being controlled by the public for common good.
Wabash Railway –court ruled states did not have the power to regulate interstate traffic
Decline in 1870’s lack of money

4. III. Interstate Commerce Act
First federal law to regulate interstate commerce
Railroads must be reasonable and just and set up ICC
Courts sided with railroads

5. Rise and Fall of Populism
The Greenback Movement
Farmers wanted an increase in the money supply which decreased the value of the dollar
Expand money supply by allowing silver into currency
Businesses opposed the plan; with high dollar value people would get more for their dollar

6. I. Populism Formed out of the Alliance movement
Wanted free coinage of silver, federal ownership of railroads, telephone, direct election of senators
Election of 1892 received 8% of popular vote

7. The Silver Crusade
Free silver meant the end of special privileges for the rich and the return of government to the people.
Free silver became the populist battle cry.
Democratic Convention
Divided over Gold and Silver
Nominated William Jennings Bryan – “Cross of Gold Speech” supported silver

8. Election of 1896
Republican – William McKinley support business and high tariffs. “Front Porch” campaign
Democrats – William Jennings Bryan traveled the country
McKinley won by 600,000 popular votes
Republican party emerges as the party of prosperity