Reasons for the emergence of the Populists in the 1890s (p.73) Flashcards
Agricultural discontent
Falling prices in wheat and cotton
Agricultural discontent
• Tariffs on foreign goods
High tariffs on foreign goods meant that foreigners would not buy US agricultural products and the USA faced increasing competition for European markets from Australia, Russia and Canada.
When was the formation of the Populist Party
1892
What were the aims of the Populist party?
• Railways
Regulation of railways
What were the aims of the Populist party?
• Farm prices
They wanted more government regulation of farm prices
What were the aims of the Populist party?
• taxation
A graduated income tax that would take away dependence on tariffs as the main source of government income, which would ensure the rich were taxed more heavily and encourage more exports for farmers.
When was the Populist formed and who was the member?
It was formed from an alliance of silver and farming interests to fight against the traditional Democrat and Republican candidates.
Polling record of the Populist Party
Although they did not do very well compared to the two main parties, Weaver did poll one million votes
Context for the reason of the emergence of the Populist Party in 1892
• Depression
There were many who did not benefit from the economic growth of the USA. In 1893, there was a depression that bankrupted many businesses.
Context for the reason of the emergence of the Populist Party in 1892
• farmers
Most farmers felt that they were not benefiting from American prosperity.
What was the Populist intended to oppose
This new party was opposed to ‘big business’, especially in north-west America, which was getting an increasingly bad press
How was Populism viewed?
• Forward looking liberal reformers
Some historians see the Populists as forward-looking liberal reformers
How was Populism viewed?
• Reactionaries
Reactionaries trying to recapture an idyllic and utopian past based on farming
Success of the Populist Party
• Congress
Approximately 45 members of the Party served in the US Congress between 1891 and 1902.
Success of the Populist Party
• 1896 election
The Populist party had sufficient support to have a decisive voice in the nomination of the Democrat candidate to fight the presidential election campaign of 1896
