The Rise of Populism

Question

Lesson 6.6A - Companion

How did new mechanized farming practices affect the economy and the environment? (slide 2)

What challenges led to development of the Grange and the Farmers’ Alliance? (slide 3 and 4)

Why did populism emerge as a major political force? (slide 5 and 6)

What goals were stated in the Populist Party’s Omaha Platform of 1892? (slide 6)

Why did the Populist Party choose to support Democrat William Jennings Bryan in the election of 1896? (slide 8)

What actions did Coxey's Army want Congress to take in response to widespread unemployment? (slide 7)

Why did the influence of the Populist Party decline after the election of 1896? (slide 9)

answer each one in one sentence and seperatly

Answer 1

1. New mechanized farming practices increased agricultural productivity, but they also led to soil depletion and environmental degradation due to the intensive farming methods employed.

2. The Grange and the Farmers' Alliance were developed in response to economic hardships faced by farmers, including falling prices, high shipping rates, and oppressive credit practices from banks and merchants.

3. Populism emerged as a major political force due to widespread dissatisfaction with economic inequality, political corruption, and the struggles of farmers and industrial workers during the late 19th century.

4. The Populist Party’s Omaha Platform of 1892 called for various reforms, including the direct election of Senators, government ownership of railroads and telegraphs, and the implementation of a graduated income tax.

5. The Populist Party chose to support Democrat William Jennings Bryan in the election of 1896 because they believed that his stance on free silver aligned with their own economic interests and would unify their voter base.

6. Coxey's Army wanted Congress to take action by creating jobs through public works programs to address the widespread unemployment caused by the economic depression.

7. The influence of the Populist Party declined after the election of 1896 largely due to their failure to secure electoral success and the subsequent alignment of their core issues with the Democratic Party under Bryan.