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The Populist Movement 1870-1896. 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.
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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.
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.
Factors that weakened Farmers’ Efforts • The government limited the power of Interstate Commerce Act • Racial segregation prevented a strong farmers’ coalition.
The Populist Party • In 1892, the Populist Party was formed. It consisted mainly of farmers.
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
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 )