The document discusses the Populist movement that emerged in the late 19th century United States. Farmers formed groups like the Grange and Farmers' Alliances in response to falling agricultural prices and rising debts. The Populist movement advocated for policies that would aid farmers and give ordinary citizens more political power, such as the silver standard, graduated income tax, and elected senators. In 1892, the Populists formed a political platform that was later adopted by the Democrats. William Jennings Bryan campaigned for the Democrats in 1896 on a populist platform, but lost the election to William McKinley and the Republicans. While the Populist party collapsed, some of their ideas were later enacted.

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3. What were the Grange and Farmers’ Alliances ? Cooperative Groups designed to educate farmers about organizing and petitioning state governments for more control of railroads and obtaining low interest loans.

5. Silver and Gold Poor Farmers vs. Wealthy Bankers

7. ‘ Cross of Gold’ speech by William Jennings Bryan “ You shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns, you shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold.”

8. 1896 Election William McKinley Republicans William Jennings Bryan Democrats

13. Could a major candidate running for president today truly claim to be a “populist” candidate?

14. Could a major candidate running for president today truly claim to be a “populist” candidate? While the Populists of the late 1800s fought for the rights of farmers and laborers and battled the railroad companies, today’s political analysts often hang the label of populist on a candidate fighting for middle-class families and blue collar workers against big corporations. In the current political landscape, however, where nearly all candidates rely on corporate donations to help them cover the increasingly exorbitant cost of campaigning, it is often difficult to claim the title of populist.