Question of the Day In America, what actions do you have if you feel neither major party represents you? Homework: Review Chapter 16 Section 3

Issues in the Farming Sector Between 1870 and 1895, farmers in the United states began to deal with issues:  Farm prices plummeted Cotton 15 cents a pound in 1870s to 6 cents in mid- 1890s)  Cost of machinery increased.  Railroads and banks furthered the economic crisis for farmers  Felt unrepresented (change in presidential representation)

The Grange This was a farmers’ organization formed after the Civil War. They focused on educating farmer in new farming techniques and organizing to promote regulation of railroads and banking. They passed “Granger Laws” force the railroads to play fair in shipping. They also convince the US government to create the ICC.

Conflicting Court Cases  Munn v. Illinois – allowed state laws to regulate businesses within a single state’s borders  Wabash Case – Granger laws could not regulate businesses that involved two or more states. This led to the demise of the Grange

Farmers’ Alliances Similar to the Grange, two formed, one in the North and one in the South, to help farers to collectively sell their crops and call on the US government to provide cheap loans. The Colored Farmers’ Alliance successfully did the same for African American sharecroppers.

Populist Party In 1892, the Farmers’ Alliances eventually merged in this political party. They felt that both the Democrats and Republicans favored big business over farming rights. They fought for backing currency with silver as well as gold (bimetallism), government ownership of railroads, direct election of Senators, graduated income tax, and cheap federal loans (federal sub-treasury)

Early Populist Successes In the 1892 presidential election, the Populists nominated James B. Weaver for President, Even though he lost, the Populists did elect three Governors, five Senators, and ten Congressmen. In 1894, they won seat in many state legislatures and finally got recognition from the two main parties.

Panic of 1893 In 1893, a five year recession hit the US, cause the financial plight of the farmers to worsen. Despite the economic issues, the Populists found an a potential ally. Labor workers were also hit hard and like farmers felt that both major parties did not represent their interests. Labor union were harassed by both big business and the US military. Populists saw promise in the 1896 presidential election if they could woo the industrial worker vote.

Democrats Change Direction In the 1896 Presidential election, the recession made the Democrats change focus on their platform. They nominated William Jennings Bryan as their candidate to run against the Republican’s William McKinley. Populists ran into an issue, because the Democrats platform matched theirs. Reluctantly, they supported Bryan.

Election of 1896 The election was close. Despite the merging of the Populists and the Democrats, McKinley won the election. The Republicans had the backing of big business and labor workers did not come to Bryan’s side like the Populists thought. The Populists never recovered from this defeat. Most joined the Democrats after the election.

Populist’s Legacy Despite being defeated, many of the Populist Party’s reforms continued to grow in popularity. In the 1900s, political reformers, called the Progressives, will take on may Populist’s ideas and make them a reality.