1. Populism: The Farmer’s Revolt

2. Populism Ultimate goal—to give more power to the people, especially the common people Saw a struggle between the “people” and the elite Mary Lease, “Raise more hell and less corn”

3. Why are farmers unhappy? Decrease in value of their crops Railroads charging inconsistent rates High tariffs Problems created by the gold standard— farmers want bimetallism, or money backed by both gold and silver – “Crime of ‘73” Farmers organize to try and change things—Grange, Farmers’ Alliances, Populist (People’s) Party

4. Populist Party Platform Government control of railroads, grain elevators Direct election of senators Graduated income tax Subtreasury 8 hour workday Free and unlimited coinage of silver Initiative and referendum Woman suffrage

5. Success of the Populist (People’s Party) 1892— – elected 5 Senators – 10 Representatives – 3 Governors – 1500 state and county officials

6. William Jennings Bryan Populist/Democrat (sellout) “you shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold.” Runs for President in 1896, but as a Democrat Loses to McKinley Took many Populist ideas with him to the Dem. Party

7. Wizard of Oz Can be interpreted as an allegory for the populist movement Ruby slippers originally silver Oz=abbreviation for ounce, used to measure gold Dorothy—the everyman Tin Man—industrial workers Scarecrow—farmers Cowardly Lion—William Jennings Bryan Wicked Witch of the East—eastern merchants, industrialists, bankers Wizard of Oz Wizard of Oz