The Rise and Fall of the Populist Party 1867-1896

Page
1

Slide 1

The Rise and Fall of the Populist Party 1867-1896

www.sliderbase.com

Slide 2

Farmers’ Problems: Lower prices for crops

Farmers had no cash . . .went further into debt. . . foreclosed on mortgages

Railroads charged outrageous prices to ship crops (no regulation!)

www.sliderbase.com

Slide 3

Farmers’ Demands

Regulate the railroad companies! (stop them from charging such high rates)

Make cash more available (back the dollar with silver, not gold, so dollar will be worth less)

Political demands: single term for President and Vice-President; secret ballot; popular election of Senators

To get industrial workers to support them: 8-hour workday; restrict immigration

www.sliderbase.com

Slide 4

Different Groups Representing Farmers’ Interests

1867: The Patrons of Husbandry (The Grange)

1880s: Farmers’ Alliance and Colored Farmers’ National Alliance

1892: Birth of the Populist, or People’s Party

www.sliderbase.com

Slide 5

1892 Presidential Election: Populist Candidate won over a million votes!

www.sliderbase.com

Slide 6

1896 Election

Populists decide to improve their chances by supporting a Democratic candidate: William Jennings Bryan, who agreed to support the Silver-backed dollar.

www.sliderbase.com

Slide 7

1896 Presidential Election: Bryan loses but carries most of the South and West

www.sliderbase.com