Warm-up: What role do “third” or “minority” parties play in elections?

Populist Party

Farmers A major complaint was tariffs: good for industry but always hurt the farmers Raised the prices of manufactured goods: example - farm machinery Kept foreigners from earning currency to buy American crops Railroads charged outrageous prices to ship crops Should be regulated Wanted money supply to be based on gold and silver so there would be increased money supply (more money available)—raise crop prices Many people found themselves supporting the Populist Party

Populist’s Platform Demanded radical changes in federal economic and social policies Increased circulation of money Unlimited minting of silver Progressive income tax Government ownership of communications & transportation Supported an 8 hour work day & restricting immigration Did this to get support from industrial workers Supported a united front for African American and white farmers

Populists Third party that could easily affect the election Next election, threw support behind William Jennings Bryan Bryan lost the election, could not get support from North and East industry Many of the reforms sought by populists later found their way into the other two major parties platforms Many of the Populist’s ideas would later be foundation for the major reforms of the Progressive era.

Activity: Bryan speech analysis on Google Classroom