1. Farmers Unite Problems: Lack of $ in circulation
High railroad shipping prices
Debt
Physical Isolation

2. Early Efforts for Change
The Grange – to help with isolation and fight railroad monopolies
Farmer’s Alliances – 4 million members divided by region. Focus on educating members.

3. Demanded reform and a greater voice for farmers and laborers
Populism
Demanded reform and a greater voice for farmers and laborers
Populist political party develops

4. Populism (cont.) Demands: Federal Loans for farmers 8 hour work day
Election of senators by popular vote
Graduated income tax
Increasing the supply of $$ (to raise prices of agricultural goods)

5. Debate over Gold Populists: wanted currency backed by gold and silver
prices rise, value of $ decreases, but people have more $
Gold standard: when money is backed ONLY by gold
prices fall, value of $ increases, but people have less $

6. End of Populism
Populists did not want the common man: “Crucified upon a cross of gold.”
Populist ideas adopted by major parties
Eventually all were adopted
Lasting Legacy: the man can’t keep the people down.