THE POPULISTS The Progressive Era

Thesis• Populism—of the people• Third party—brings good ideas• Populist ideas would influence Teddy Roosevelt and social

reform initiatives

Modern Day “Popul”ism (Tea Party/Facebook support of candidate)

The Plight of the Farmers• A mechanized industry- new inventions (steel John Deere

Plow) leads to greater production. • More supply, lower prices• Hurting financially

Who is the Enemy?• 1. Railroad—monopolies, dictated unfair rates• 2. Bankers—held mortgages and foreclosed on farms.

• Gold Standard *• 3. Taxes—Farmers had to pay property taxes on land,

regardless of whether they made money• 4. Tariffs—protected manufacturers from foreign

competition but did not protect farmers

Farmer Organiztion• Farmers formed an organization—known as Populists • Met in Omaha, Nebraska 1892• Devised the “Omaha Platform”

• A union of working classes• Nationalization of railroads• Nationalization of all communication systems• Bimetallism • Graduated Income tax• Direct election of senators • No more ownership of land by those who do not actually use it.

The Populist Party—a National Force• 1896 Democrats nominated Populist William Jennings

Bryan of Nebraska to run on their ticket

What is Bimetallism?• Money was backed in gold• This limits the amount of

money—Banks reluctant to give loans

• Wanted money also backed in silver—increase money in circulation-reduce debt

Cross of Gold Speech• "you shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold"