Calls for Reform Essential Questions: Why do people make economic choices?

Vocabulary Mortgages (Financing property) – A legal agreement in which a person borrows money to buy property and pays back the money over a period of years Monopoly (One Owner) – Exclusive possession or control

Vocabulary Progressivism (City Reforms) – A reform movement that tried to correct social and political problems Trusts (Teaming up to reduce competition) – A combination of companies formed by agreement to reduce competition

Calls for Reform As industries grew, some business practices made it difficult for farmers to earn a living. A series of economic depressions between 1875 and 1900 caused the market price of cotton and other farm products to fall. The result was that some farmers could not pay their mortgages, which risked losing the homes they owned.

Calls for Reform Many railroad lines held a monopoly on the rail service for a given area, which meant the company could charge whatever rates it wanted for shipping crops.

Calls for Reform Because the state government did not help them, Texas farmers formed associations such as the Patrons of Husbandry (or the Grange) and the Farmers’ Alliance. A meeting of farmers in Lampasas County in September 1877 led to the formation of the Farmers' Alliance, which also fought for reform on issues that affected farmers. These groups lobbied for economic reform and organized cooperatives (jointly owned stores) so farmers could purchase goods and services at lower prices.

This illustration shows various leaders of the Farmers' Alliance. Where and why was the Farmers’ Alliance founded?

The Southern Mercury, a weekly newspaper published in Dallas, was the official journal of the Texas Farmers’ Alliance starting in 1886 and of the Texas People's party beginning in Its circulation peaked at 40,000 people every week in What other steps did the Alliance take to advance its positions?

This political cartoon illustrates how many Americans, especially farmers, felt about the railroads.

Describe the images used by the cartoonist and how they relate to the issue being discussed.

The artist of the political cartoon shown is trying to influence the viewpoint of … A.Ordinary businessmen B.Trust builders C.Corporate leaders D.Segregationists A The answer is:

Calls for Reform African American farmers were not allowed to join the Farmers' Alliance, so they formed their own group.

Calls for Reform In the 1890s, a new political party, the Populist Party, was formed and attempted to weaken the Democrats' hold on major government offices.

Calls for Reform (The Populist Party Emerges - start at 17:22)

Calls for Reform In the late 1800s, a national political reform movement known as Progressivism grew as Americans recognized the need for reforms in business and society. The Progressive movement sought to prevent unfair business practices and promote social reforms.

Calls for Reform State Attorney General James Hogg worked to end government and business corruption, and helped the legislature form an antitrust law. After he was elected governor of Texas, he helped establish the Texas Railroad Commission to regulate intrastate railways. Hogg

This image is most closely associated with … A.Elizabeth “Lizzie” Johnson Williams B.James Stephen Hogg C.Joseph F. Glidden D.Robert Munger B The answer is:

Which of the following is best associated with the Populist Movement? A.Counties are allowed to create their own school districts. B.The new Capitol building is built in Austin, Texas. C.The United Friends of Temperance supports the ban of alcohol. D.James S. Hogg leads a movement against big business abuses in Texas. D The answer is:

Quiz D B 1. A series of economic depressions between 1875 and 1900 caused the market price of cotton and other farm products to fall. The result was that some farmers could not pay their _____, which risked losing the homes they owned. A. rent B. suppliers C. workers D. mortgages 2. Many railroad lines held a _____ on the rail service for a given area, which meant the company could charge whatever rates it wanted for shipping crops. A. license B. monopoly C. guarantee D. tyranny

Quiz A A 3. A number of farmers joined a group known as the Patrons of Husbandry, or the _____, to work together for economic reform. A. Grange B. Farmers' Alliance C. Texas People's Party D. Populist Party 4. The Patrons of Husbandry set up _____, or jointly owned stores, so that farmers could buy supplies at cheaper prices. A.cooperatives B.buyers' clubs C.a monopoly D. farm bureaus

Quiz B B 5. A meeting of farmers in Lampasas County in September 1877 led to the formation of the _____, which also fought for reform on issues that affected farmers. A. Grange B. Farmers' Alliance C. Progressive movement D. Reform Party 6. _____ farmers were not allowed to join the Farmers' Alliance, so they formed their own group. A. Women B. African American C. Populists D. Progressive

Quiz A D 7. In the 1890s, a new political party, the _____ Party, was formed and attempted to weaken the Democrats' hold on major government offices. A. Populist B. Progressive C. Farmers D. Republican 8. In the late 1800s, a national political reform movement known as _____ grew as Americans recognized the need for reforms in business and society. A. Socialism B. Reformism C. Improvement D. Progressivism

Quiz C C 9. Governor _____ targeted the formation of trusts, a combination of companies that unite to reduce competition. A. John H. Reagan B. Lawrence Sullivan "Sul" Ross C. James S. Hogg D. Richard Coke 10. The Texas Railroad Commission was formed in 1891 to monitor _____ shipments and passenger travel in Texas. A. cattle B. interstate C. intrastate D. oil