1. PROBLEMS FOR FARMERS, CORRUPT POLITICS, AND JAMES K. VARDAMAN Chapter 7

2. Problems for Small Farmers In 1907, the boll weevil invaded Mississippi. Boll weevil: small beetle that attacks the bolls where cotton fibers are formed.

3. Problems for Small Farmers

6. Farmers also suffered from falling cotton prices. Prices dropped from 18 – 20 cents per pound down to 11 cents per pound.

7. Problems for Small Farmers Farmers were also suffering from high tariffs. Republicans in Washington favored businessmen over farmers.

8. Problems for Small Farmers Farmers also suffered from the gold standard. Gold standard: Policy that stated that only gold would be used to give paper money its value. These issues will lead to a national political revolt among farmers.

10. Mississippi Farmers’ Alliance The Mississippi Farmers’ Alliance was an organization designed to help small farmers.

11. Mississippi Farmers’ Alliance Frank Burkitt was chosen to lead this organization.

12. Mississippi Farmers’ Alliance The Alliance supported the Sub-Treasury Plan. Sub-Treasury Plan: A plan designed to help farmers with credit and with storing surplus crops.

13. Mississippi Farmers’ Alliance

14. Ethelbert Barksdale was endorsed by farmers for senator. He supported farmers He supported the Sub-Treasury Plan He lost because the legislature voted at the time, not the voters.

15. Mississippi Farmers’ Alliance

16. Mississippi People’s Party Frank Burkitt formed the People’s party as an outlet for small farmers. Populists: supporters of the People’s party.

17. Populism Populism: a political doctrine that appeals to the interests and conceptions of the general people.

18. Mississippi People’s Party Demands of the Populists: Tariff reform Graduated income tax Regulation of railroads The use of silver as money Direct election of senators

19. Mississippi People’s Party Frank Burkitt ran for governor in 1891 as a Populist. He lost because Democrats spread a rumor that he would allow black political power if elected.

20. Political Corruption Patronage: appointing people to positions as a reward for political support. Political “bosses” dominated political parties Voting fraud was common Campaigns and debates were more entertaining then informative

21. James K. Vardaman James K. Vardaman was elected governor in 1903. He supported the poor, white, farming population of Mississippi.

22. James K. Vardaman

24. The Positive: Improved conditions for prisoners Increased funding for schools (white schools) Regulated railroads and insurance Favored farmers over big business

25. James K. Vardaman The negative: Racist Stated that it was a waste of the state’s money to educate black children.