POPULIST PARTY

Question 1

How was silver a reason for populist emergence ?

Answer 1

Silver production had grown rapidly in the USA and discovery of silver Nevada and Rocky Mountain states
Bimetalists felt that silver should be used in the production of coinage as well as gold
The Sherman silver purchase act of 1890 forced the government to purchase 4,5000,000 of silver each month at market price. HOWEVER, in 1896 Grover Cleveland’s attempted to solve the economic problems caused by the depression. Grover Cleveland’s began selling government securities for gold which angered silver supporters.

Question 2

How was agriculture discontent a reason for the emergence of the populist party?

Answer 2

There was a lot of discontent from farmers because there prices for products were failing terribly
High tariffs on foreign manufactured goods meant foreigners would not buy American produce
There was shortages of credits and interest rates were high in agriculture regions

Question 3

When was the populist party formed?

Answer 3

In 1892 at a convention in Omaha to fight against traditional democrats and republicans candidates
They chose civil war veteran James B Weaver to stand for president in that year.

Question 4

Who did the democrats chose for the 1896 presidential election?

Answer 4

William Jennings Byron

Question 5

Why did the populist support the democrats instead of their own party?

Answer 5

The democrats aims for the election was anti-gold/bimetalits which was one of the populist policies .
They had 2 choices, either side with the democrats so one of their policies would be in place or vote for their party and let the republicans win

Question 6

1896 election campaign results and significant

Answer 6

The populist helped change the direction of the democrats and their response to western states. At the time populists posed a real threat,