1. Power to the People Progressivism sought to bring greater democracy and social justice to America through the Federal Government. This was largely an extension of Populism. –Progressivism is just populism that had “shaved its whiskers, washed its shirt, put on a derby, and moved up into the middle class.” –What is populism? Where did it come from?

2. Originated w/ Farmers Increasing production, need for equipment –Debt, foreign competition –Depressions in 1873 and 1893 Banks call in loans Farmers cannot pay What does the federal government do to help?

3. Tariffs Purpose: to protect against foreign competition & encourage to buy American Reality –Manufacturers raise prices. Farmers need this machinery. –Encourages growth of foreign-based farms Does the federal government hate farmers?

4. Money Supply Farmers want inflation. Why? –What does the government do instead? Big political issue –1873 switch to gold standard (from bimetallic) –“Gold bugs” vs. “Silverites” –Farmers call for free silver – unlimited coining Bland-Allison Act (1878) – ineffective Sherman Silver Purchase Act (1890) – short-lived

5. Farmers Helping Farmers Cooperatives formed to buy larger quantities at lower prices (the Grange) Political parties form in 1870s –Gain momentum in 1880s (natural disasters) –National in 1891 (Populist Party) Inflation, graduated income tax, federal regulation on communication and transportation (RR) –(Interstate Commerce Act already passed in 1887) 8-hour workday, racial inclusion, anti-Pinkertons

6. Presidential Attempts 1892 – excitement, but lame candidate 1896 – William Jennings Bryan Nebraska congressman Very charismatic, great public speaker Toured US giving speeches –Cross of Gold speech @ DNC in Chicago –Both Democrat & Populist nominations resulted WJB could not carry industrial areas in Midwest and Northeast McKinley wins

7. Populist Legacy Spirit of calling the government to help the little man in the face of growing problems around him Sets the stage for independent 3 rd parties to become involved in politics Both of these will carry over to the Progressive Era.