13.3: Farmers and the Populist Movement

MATES US History I, Holland 2024

Grange (Patrons of Husbandry)

social outlet; legislation against railroads

Oliver Hudson Kelly

started the Grange

Farmers Alliance

groups of farmers that educated people on agricultural, rural issues, banking and loans, and government controlled railroads

Populism (People’s Party)

late 19th century political movement that sought to advance interests of farmers and laborers, giving people a greater voice in government

Panic of 1893

• farmers overextended

• railroads expanded faster than markets

• paper $ traded for gold → stock prices drop

• 20% unemployed

bimetallism

$ system in which the government used both gold and silver (Democratic and Populist supported)

gold standard

$ system in which government used only gold to back paper money (Republicans)

William Lennings Bryan

Democratic nominee for 1896 election (Populist support)

William McKinley

Republican nominee—becomes 25th President