Populism and the Election of 1896

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Slide 39

Into Which Box Will the Voter of ’96 Place His Ballot?

Slide 40

1896 Election Results

Slide 41

Why Did Bryan Loose?

His focus on silver undermined efforts to build bridges to urban voters.

He did not form alliances with other groups.

McKinley’s campaign was well- organized and highly funded.

Slide 42

Gold Triumphs Over Silver

1900  Gold Standard Act

confirmed the nation’s commitment to the gold standard.

A victory for the forces of conservatism.

Slide 43

The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

Slide 44

1964: Henry Littlefield’s “Thesis”?

Slide 45

“Parable of the Populists”?

Tornado  ?

Dorothy  ?

Toto  ?

Kansas  ?

Wicked Witch of the East  ?

Tin Woodsman  ?

Scarecrow  ?

Cowardly Lion  ?

Yellow Brick Road  ?

Silver Slippers  ?

Emerald City  ?

Oz  ?

The Wizard  ?

Munchkins  ?

Wicked Witch of the West  ?

Flying Monkeys  ?

Yellow Winkies  ?

Slide 46

Heyday of Western Populism

Slide 47

Why Did Populism Decline?

The economy experienced rapid change.

The era of small producers and farmers was fading away.

Race divided the Populist Party, especially in the South.

The Populists were not able to break existing party loyalties.

Most of their agenda was co-opted by the Democratic Party.

Slide 48

But, Populism Still Lives!

Al Gore (Dem) in 2000

Slide 49

But, Populism Still Lives!

John Edwards (Dem) in 2008