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Populism in the United States

Populism in the United States. Western Expansion. Results: Mining (gold) boom (and bust) brings people west Logging becomes huge western industry Farms expand (successful!) Native Americans sent to reservations Treaty w/ U.S. (land forever theirs) By late 1800s, almost no “frontier” left.

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Populism in the United States

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  1. Populism in the United States

  2. Western Expansion • Results: • Mining (gold) boom (and bust) brings people west • Logging becomes huge western industry • Farms expand (successful!) • Native Americans sent to reservations • Treaty w/ U.S. (land forever theirs) • By late 1800s, almost no “frontier” left

  3. The Populist Party • Several political parties combine (1880s) • Populism – movement of the people • Economic Goals: • Increase money supply • Graduated income tax • Federal loans • Political Goals: • Senate elected by pop. vote • Secret ballot • 8-hour day • Democratic party eventuallyadopts this platform

  4. U.S. Monetary Policy • Debtors vs. Collectors • Debtors wanted more money in circulation, wanted Gov. to coin more silver (bimetallism) • Paper money considered worthless if cannot be exchanged for money • Bimetallism: using both silver AND gold to back currency • Silverites – would create more money, stimulate economy • Gold Standard – backing currency w/ gold only • Gold Bugs – Gold ONLY would create more stable (if expensive) currency

  5. Election of 1892 • Populist Nominee: James B. Weaver • Gov to control/operate RR, telegraph & telephone • Secret ballot in elections • Graduated income tax • U.S. Senators elected directily • Shorter working hours

  6. Election of 1892

  7. The Panic of 1893 • RRs expanded faster than markets • Some went bankrupt • Government’s gold supply became depleted • Led to rush on banks • Businesses, banks, collapse • Panic becomes depression

  8. Election of 1896 • Money central issue • Republicans – William McKinley • Supported big business (gold standard) • Democrats – William Jennings Bryan • Supported silver • Populists supported Bryan

  9. Election of 1896 • McKinley thought campaigning was undignified (accepted visitors @ home) • Bryan had “modern” campaign • Traveled by train, made speeches • Bryan carried S & W (except CA) • McKinley carried NE & California • More electoral votes • Urban America defeats Rural America

  10. End of Populism • McKinley elected president, populism ends • Legacy: • Powerless could organize, have political impact • Agenda of reforms enacted in 20th Cent.

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