22) Populism and the Crises of American Agriculture

Question 1

Causes of Agrarian Discontent

Answer 1

1. Belief that railroads were using discriminatory rates to exploit farmers
2. Belief that big business used high tariffs to exploit farmers
3. Belief that deflationary monetary policy based on gold hurt farmers
4. Belief that corporations charged exorbitant prices for fertilizers and farm machinery

Question 2

Populism

Answer 2

• The philosophy concerned with the common sense needs of average people
• Populism often finds expression as a reaction against perceived oppression of the average people by the wealthy elite in society
• Prevalent claim is that they will put the people first
• Claim to represent the majority of people and call them to stand up to institutions or practices that seem detrimental to their well being

Question 3

People’s/Populist Party

Answer 3

• Attempted to unit discontented farmers
• Attempted to improve their economic conditions
• Challenged the social ills of the monopolists of the “Gilded Age”