The Populist Movement Fire on the Plains

Focus Question In a short response of two to three sentences, answer the following question: What is the best way to correct wrongs in society?

Objectives After today’s lesson, you will: Identify grievances of the farmers in the late 19 th Century Discuss the remedies proposed by farmers during this time period Identify factors which led to the decline of the Populists

Roots of the People’s Party The Closing of the Frontier 1890 Census found that there was no longer an “unbroken line of settlement” Idea spread that “free land”was going away Forced a re-thinking of the future of the U.S.

Growth of Industrial Agriculture Agriculture flowed to the industrial world Unhealthy situation for marginal farmer Economic hardship of the 1880s

Abuses of the Railroads Railroad monopolies threatened farmers Sought escape from business policies Captured by the rail. Prompted other reform groups The Grange The Farmers Alliance

Reforms Proposed Grangers Laws in the Midwest Regulation of the railroads Removed rebates Required publication of rate changes Declared constitutional in Munn v. Illinois 1877 State regulations restricted in Wabash v. Illinois 1886 Became part of the Interstate Commerce Act of 1886

Formation of the People’s Party Farmers established a new political party in 1890 Promoted the needs and views of the “People” Farmers and Labor Called for an adjustment of the system Regulation and national ownership of railroads National ownership of banks The Income Tax Direct Election of Senators Currency based on silver

Summary Ina short response of two to three sentences, explain what you would say to an absent classmate what was the most important thing learned in class this week.