Populism

Populism- political ideas and activities that are intended to represent ordinary people's needs and wishes. Who are ordinary people, ordinary Americans?

Rise of Populism
Farmers are moving to the city for jobs.
Migration: Are they being pulled or pushed to the city?

Farmers unionize as well

The Grange Farmers Alliance

Farmers Issues
Low price for crops High price to farm High transportation costs High Interest on loans from banks

Video Clip
Based on the video, were farmers pushed or pulled to factory jobs in the cities? What is good about new/better technology in a job? What is a possible negative side effect about technology in the workplace?

Populist Party
Faction of the Democratic Party
Began with farmers Unified common people Attempt to bring white and black votes together for first time

Platform Issues
Free Silver instead of the gold standard for money
Goal: start inflation in order to get more money for crops

Income Tax Govt ownership of railroad and telegraph Cos. Bank regulations

William Jennings BryanMr. Smiths ancestor

Great speaker in Congress from Nebraska The Boy Orator, the Great commoner

You shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns, you shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold.
Describe the metaphor he uses in this speech? Do you think it was effective? Why?

Video Clip
What major issue of the Populist Party led to its demise in presidential elections? After the 1892 and 1896 elections, did America turn toward the ordinary people or did it seek even more power? What is imperialism?