1. US History/Geography Chapter 6 Section 4
Election of 1896
US History/Geography
Chapter 6 Section 4

2. People’s Party
Election of 1896 people’s party decided to make silver coinage focus of campaign.
Were going to run 3rd candidate after Republican and Democrats chose their candidates (though both would want Gold standard not silver)
BUT democrats choose Williams Jennings Bryan (who supported Silver)
So when Populists choose, decided to endorse Bryan instead of 3rd candidate.

3. William Jennings Bryan’s Campaign
Was former member of congress (Nebraska)
Only 36 when nominated for Pres.
Powerful speaker
Won democratic nomination by giving a VERY powerful speech about silver
One of most famous speech in American history
Made campaign about silver … did lots of speeches, (600 in 14 weeks)
Some thought this was TOO much campaign and didn’t win over immigrants or Catholics
Was popular in the south and west

4. Republican Response
Republican's choose William McKinley (remember McKinley tariff??)
“Front Porch Campaign”
Greet delegates at his house (more personal)
Promised workers “full dinner pail” aka improved working conditions … more important to them than silver
Business leaders convinced them that if democrats won business would fail
McKinley reputation improved immigrants and workers view of republicans
Due to that improved view, McKinley won by a large margin for the time (51% popular vote and 95 electoral votes)
Populists lost northern industrial areas due to silver focus…
BUT IS THAT THE WHOLE STORY?????