2. The Populist Party The Presidential Election of 1896

3. Who are the Populists? Populist = People=Farmers. Populist = People=Farmers. Major focus in 1892 election. Major focus in 1892 election. James B. Weaver, Populist Prez. Candidate. James B. Weaver, Populist Prez. Candidate. Republicans win election, Populist problems never solved. Republicans win election, Populist problems never solved.

4. Economic Reforms: Gov. ownership of railroads, banks, and telegraphs. Gov. ownership of railroads, banks, and telegraphs. Unused railroad lands to farmers. Unused railroad lands to farmers. 8 hr. workday for urban factory workers. 8 hr. workday for urban factory workers.

5. Electoral Reforms wanted: 1 term for president. 1 term for president. Secret Ballot. Secret Ballot. Direct Election of Senators. Direct Election of Senators.

6. The Big Issue of 1896: Money- gold or silver? Money- gold or silver? Populist/Democrats: want both to back currency (bimetallism) Populist/Democrats: want both to back currency (bimetallism) Republicans: just want Gold to back currency. Republicans: just want Gold to back currency.

7. Why is this a big deal? Coinage Act (1873). Coinage Act (1873). -gov. buys set amount of silver each year to mint coins. -would create too much $ in circulation (inflation). -most silver just ended up in National treasury.

8. Election of 1896: William McKinley William McKinley Republican Republican “Gold Standard” “Gold Standard” William Jennings Bryan William Jennings Bryan Democrat/Populist Democrat/Populist “Free Silver” “Free Silver”

9. Differing Campaign Styles

10. Continued… McKinley: McKinley: -”Front Porch” -gave speeches from home. -sent out lots of literature. Bryan: Bryan: -”Whistle Stop” -traveled 18,000 mi. -brilliant speaker

11. 1896 Results: McKinley wins

12. Gold triumphs over Silver

13. Assignment: Choose 1 role: Banker from Boston, Farmer from Nebraska, or Factory worker from Chicago, IL.Choose 1 role: Banker from Boston, Farmer from Nebraska, or Factory worker from Chicago, IL. Which candidate would you vote for? Why?Which candidate would you vote for? Why? -2-3 sentences. -be sure to explain why.