Study Guide Populism, Progressivism, and

WWI
Background
In the 1890s, there quickly arose many problems that proceeded to greatly
effect the American populace, especially farmers, who attempted to address
these concerns in a variety of ways.
Issues During this time period, some of the most prevalent issues were:
I.
High Prices from railroad Companies, preventing the famers from
transporting their crops cheaply.
II.
Monopolies amongst Grain Elevators, warehouses where grain
could be stored prior to its sale.
III.
Overproduction of certain crops, which led to lower prices for good
at markets.
IV.
The expensive nature of farming equipment, which had to be
shipped in from the industrial centers in the East.
Farmers Alliances Subsequently, faced with all of these problems, farmers
needed solutions. However, because farmers were so spread out, Unions
were not a very viable answer to their concerns. As a result Farmers
Alliances were created, which attempted to improve the economic
conditions of farmers, by regulating railroad prices and forming cooperatives
amongst farmers. However, over time, these goals switched to include social
concerns, as well, such as the limiting of salaries of government employees
and the creation of public schools.
Success of Farmers Alliances Originally, these alliances worked quite well,
resulting in the creation of Granger Laws, which set maximum railroad
rate, and regulated railroad companies. These laws were even confirmed in
the Supreme Court case Munn v. Illinois. However, a few years later, this
decision was reversed in Wabash v. Illinois, which declared them
unconstitutional. Faced with no other option, these farmers felt the need to
express their political beliefs in a party, and formed the Populist Party.

The Populist Party

Foundation and Goals
The Populist Party, unlike other labor parties that had come before it, was
formed through the combination of many smaller groups with specific
interest, which made the goals of the party as a whole seem a bit disjointed.
However, this enabled this group to possess more political clout then had
previous labor parties. These goals included:

I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.

Government ownership of railroads, telegraphs, and banks

Direct election of all senators
The institution of a secret (Australian) ballot system
The creation of initiatives, referendums, and recalls
A graduated income tax
The regulation of an 8 Hour work day
Restrictions on immigration
The use of silver coinage

Aside on Silver Coinage This would serve to help people in the West, as a
gold and silver standard would help those with possession of silver, as it was
plentiful in the west. This would in turn drive up inflation, and help those that
were in debt.

Election of 1896
Overview - This election was the first where Populist ideals began to have an
impact. William McKinley, the Republican candidate, stood for tariffs,
improvement of relations with Cuba, and the gold standard. However,
William Jennings Bryan, an ex-populist, was the democratic candidate, and
caused many populists to be absorbed in to the Democrats. This meant that
some populist goals were represented in his campaign, such as the
institution of a gold and silver standard, workers rights, and inflation.
1896 Democratic Convention
This is notable as here, William Jennings Bryan gave his famous cross of
gold speech, where he said that we should fight for the struggling
masses, and that we sit on a cross of gold as a country.