1. The Populist Movement 1870-1896

2. Farmer’s problems during the late 1800s. Overproduction Prices of crops fell Railroads continued to charge farmers too much. Farmers could not make loan payments and many lost their farms. Many blamed the Bankers, the railroads, and Big business for their problems.

3. Farmers Organize The farmers formed granges Munn v Illinois – states can regulate interstate commerce, later reversed. Interstate Commerce Act – Forbade unfair business practices – small success for the farmers.

4. Factors that weakened Farmers’ Efforts The government limited the power of Interstate Commerce Act Racial segregation prevented a strong farmers’ coalition.

5. The Populist Party In 1892, the Populist Party was formed. It consisted mainly of farmers.

6. Major issues of the Populist Party 1. Graduated Income Tax 2. Bank regulation 3. Government ownership of Railroads and telegraph companies 4. Free and unlimited coinage of silver

7. The Cross of Gold speech

8. The end of Populism William Jennings Bryan loses the election of 1896. This defeat also marked the defeat of the Populist Party. The Party’s platform laid the groundwork for future reform. The Populist party was important as a third party because it brought the to the surface the issues of the minority group ( farmers )