Unit 4: L3

Question 1

Series of laws passed in several Midwestern states that shared the same intent: to make pricing of railroad rates more favorable to farmers, small rural farmers in particular. It was a topic of much debate at the time and ended up leading to several important court cases, such as Munn v. Illinois and Wabash v. Illinois .

Answer 1

GRANGER LAWS

Question 2

Groups formed to educate farmers about topics such as interest rates on loans and government control of banks and railroads. Membership grew to more than 4 million – leads to the rise of the Populist Party

Answer 2

FARMER’S ALLIANCE

Question 3

Political movement created out of the farmers alliances. Supported: graduated income tax, regulated banks, increase in the money supply, government ownership of railroad and telegraph lines, eight-hour work day, restrictions on immigration, and voting reforms.

Answer 3

POPULISM

Question 4

Impassioned speech given by William Jennings Bryan (Democratic nominee for President in the 1896 election). Criticized the monetary policy of the government for being too hard on the farmer; said in the speech that farmers were being crucified on a cross of gold – helped gain him the support of the Populists.

Answer 4

CROSS OF GOLD SPEECH

Question 5

Passed in response to the growing complaints of farmers. It required the government to purchase almost twice as much silver as before, and added substantially to the amount of money already in circulation. It threatened to undermine the U.S. Treasury’s gold reserves. After the panic of 1893 President Cleveland called a special session of Congress and secured (1893) the repeal of the act.

Answer 5

SHERMAN SILVER PURCHASE ACT OF 1894