1. POLITICAL REALIGNMENTS IN THE 1890’s Chapter 20

2. Overall look of Party Politics 1870’s- 1890’s Democrats emphasize state’s rights and limited government Republicans see government as agent to promote moral progress and material wealth Federal influence wanes, state control rises Supreme Court makes land mark decisions in regard to trade – Munn v. Illinois (1877) – Wabash case (1886) prompts establishment of Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) 1890 is the first billion dollar Congress

3. The Election of 1880

4. The Election of 1884

6. Tariffs, Trusts and Silver 1890: McKinley Tariff raises duties to historic high Dependents Pension Act: By 1893, 1 million receiving pensions from union army 1890: Sherman Anti-Trust Act regulates big business – U.S. vs. E.C. Knight clarifies that law does not apply to manufacturers 1890: Sherman Silver Purchase Act moves country toward bi-metallic monetary system

7. The Rise of the Populist Movement Discontented farmers of West and South provide base of support Farmers’ complaints – Lower prices for crops (although purchasing power rising) – Rising railroad rates (rates actually declining) – Burdensome mortgages (loans permit production expansion) Conditions of farmers vary by region General feeling of depression, resentment

8. The Fast-Growing Populist Party By 1880’s two powerful groups emerge – Farmers Alliance and Industrial Union (Southern Alliance) – Northwestern Alliance (National Farmers Alliance) Ocala Demands become Populist platform – System of government warehouses to hold crops for higher prices – Free coinage of silver – Low tariffs – Federal income tax – Direct election of Senators – Regulation of railroads

10. The Panic of 1893 February, 1893: Industrial balloon pops Investors sell stock to purchase gold Depleted Treasury (of gold) shakes confidence plummets U.S. into worst depression in U.S. history U.S. falls into a state of upheaval and despair – Miner strikes, Pullman riots, Coxey army, etc… Americans accepted the need for government intervention to help the poor and jobless

11. The Presidential Election of 1896 Candidate: William Jennings Bryan Free coinage of silver the main issue – Set ratio of silver to gold at 16:1 – Boost the money supply – Seen as solution to depression Silverites believed amount in circulation determined level of economic activity Loses election because eastern press favored McKinley Candidate: William McKinley Promised gold standard to restore prosperity Would promote economic prosperity BUT a need to regulate and control the effects of industrialization