1. Populist Party

2. Grange
Grange (1867) – organization (created by Oliver Kelly) of farmers that banded together to fight rising Freight costs

3. Munn v. Illinois 1877
Supreme court declared private property could be regulated by state/federal government when such regulations would benefit the public good
*Regulate the railroads helps farmers

4. Farmers Alliance
Farmers' Alliances –formed after Grange looses support. Continues to work to support farmers

5. Interstate Commerce Act 1887
Law that was designed to regulate the railroad industry
Required that railroad rates be "reasonable and just,"
did not empower the government to fix specific rates.
*failed to stop the Monopolies
* Fixed by Hepburn Act (1906)

6. Beginning of the People’s Party
Farmers Alliance needed more support in Washington
Formed the Populist Party to fight for Farmers rights in 1892

7. Omaha Platform Goals of Populist party:
government ownership of transportation
Increase in the money supply
Progressive Income Tax- more money you make, more you pay
Paper currency
Direct elections of senators
Eight hour workday

8. Panic of 1893
Worst Economic depression up to that date in American History
Started due to:
-Railroad Failure from quick expansion and no ability to pay loans
-Wall street crash

9. Gold Standard v. Bimetallism
Two views on money
Gold Standard- Paper Money would be backed by Gold
- Bimetallism- Gold and Silver would be used as money

10. William Jennings Bryan
Populist leader, Gave speech before election -“Cross of Gold Speech”
Bryan states need for bimetallism and the dangers of the Gold Standard

11. Election of 1896 Republican William McKinley Wanted Gold Standard
Versus
William J. Bryan
-wanted bimetallism
McKinley wins but Bryan influences future populist reforms