Populismandthe Electionof1896
Populism Populism is a movement which supports "the people" versus "the elites."
The Silver Issue Crime of 73 demonetization of silver (govt. stopped coining silver). Bland-Allison Act (1878) limited silver coinage to $2-$4 mil.
Populism and the Election of 1896
Mother Nature – droughts, floods, grasshoppers, boll weevil High Taxes Tariffs did not protect farmers from foreign competition One-Crop economy.
FARMER’S MOVEMENT. Major Issues: Farmers’ vision of a well-ordered society dated back to Jefferson’s ideas of an agrarian republic Enemies of this.
Enter the Populists 1892- 1896 Why do you think the artist used the term “Platform of Lunacy” when describing the Populist “ship”?
The Debate over Money Farmers were concerned about tariffs Tariffs reduce foreign competition Foreign countries counter with their own tariffs
Debate over the Money Supply Expand greenback (soft money) –Expectant capitalists, debtors, farmer –Why? Borrow $$ at lower interest rates Pay off.
Causes New inventions & efficient techniques introduced Lack of competition among railroads Machinery is needed; shipping costs higher Money is in.
The Silver Issue “Crime of ’73” demonetization of silver (govt. stopped coining silver). Bland-Allison Act (1878) limited silver coinage to.
What is a Populist?. Farmers: Where it all began. In the late 1800’s farmers were trapped in a vicious economic cycle. Prices for crops falling. Mortgaged.