1. Problems for farmers, corrupt politics, and James K. Vardaman
Chapter 7
Problems for farmers, corrupt politics, and James K. Vardaman

2. Problems for Small Farmers
In 1907, the boll weevil invaded Mississippi.
Boll weevil: small beetle that attacks the bolls where cotton fibers are formed.

3. Problems for Small Farmers

4. Problems for Small Farmers

5. Problems for Small Farmers
Farmers also suffered from falling cotton prices.
Prices dropped from 18 – 20 cents per pound down to 11 cents per pound.

6. Problems for Small Farmers
Farmers were also suffering from high tariffs.
Republicans in Washington favored businessmen over farmers.

7. Problems for Small Farmers
Farmers also suffered from the gold standard.
Gold standard: Policy that stated that only gold would be used to give paper money its value.
These issues will lead to a national political revolt among farmers.

9. Mississippi Farmers’ Alliance
The Mississippi Farmers’ Alliance was an organization designed to help small farmers.

10. Mississippi Farmers’ Alliance
Frank Burkitt was chosen to lead this organization.

11. Mississippi Farmers’ Alliance
The Alliance supported the Sub-Treasury Plan.
Sub-Treasury Plan: A plan designed to help farmers with credit and with storing surplus crops.

12. Mississippi Farmers’ Alliance

13. Mississippi Farmers’ Alliance
Ethelbert Barksdale was endorsed by farmers for senator.
He supported farmers
He supported the Sub-Treasury Plan

14. Mississippi Farmers’ Alliance
He lost because citizens did not vote for senators at the time. Members of the legislature voted.

15. Mississippi People’s Party
Frank Burkitt formed the People’s party as an outlet for small farmers.
Populists: supporters of the People’s party.

16. Populism
Populism: a political doctrine that appeals to the interests and conceptions of the general people.

17. Mississippi People’s Party
Demands of the Populists:
Tariff reform
Graduated income tax
Regulation of railroads
The use of silver as money
Direct election of senators

18. Mississippi People’s Party
Frank Burkitt ran for governor in 1891 as a Populist.
He lost because Democrats spread a rumor that he would allow black political power if elected.

19. Political Corruption
Patronage: appointing people to positions as a reward for political support.
Political “bosses” dominated political parties
Voting fraud was common
Campaigns and debates were more entertaining then informative

20. James K. Vardaman
James K. Vardaman was elected governor in He supported the poor, white, farming population of Mississippi.

21. James K. Vardaman

22. James K. Vardaman

23. Improved conditions for prisoners
James K. Vardaman
The Positive:
Improved conditions for prisoners
Increased funding for schools (white schools)
Regulated railroads and insurance
Favored farmers over big business

24. James K. Vardaman
The negative:
Racist
Stated that it was a waste of the state’s money to educate black children.