1. Read “One American’s Story” on p 425. How do you think Mary Elizabeth Lease came to be such a vocal promoter of the farmers’ cause. Apr. 29, 2009

2. Farmers Unite to Address Common Problems Greenbacks taken out of circulation –Increased value of $$ in circulation –Farmers pd loans w/ dollars worth more than when they received the loan Crops were worth less Wanted an increase in money supply to increase crop prices Railroads charged high prices to transport grain –Secret agreements and lack of competition

4. Farmers’ Alliances Patrons of Husbandry (The Grange) –Social outlet and educational forum –By 1870s, organized to fight railroad(RR) control Lobbied for legislation to regulate RR Farmers’ Alliance –Educate ppl about lower interest rates, gov’t control over railroads and banks

5. Populism Populist Party created in 1892 –Platform Increased money supply Graduated income tax Federal loan program U.S. senators elected by popular vote Single presidental and v.p. terms Secret ballot 8 hour work day Restrictions on immigration –Gained support in Western states Democratic party eventually took on populist ideals

6. Fall of Populism Panic of 1893 –Depression resulting from overexpansion of railroads and decreasing supply of federal gold reserve 1896 Presidential Campaign –Populist candidate, Wm Jennings Bryan Bimetallism-gold/silver backed paper $$ –Republican candidate William McKinley Gold standard-gold backed paper $$

8. Campaign Jennings Bryan delivered “Cross of Gold” speech at Democratic convention –Also supported by Populists –Campaigned in 27 states, giving many speeches McKinley –Front porch campaign –Thousands of supporters campaigned across the country