The Populist Movement

Populist Print

Populist Print

Struggles of Farmers

During the Gilded Age, many farmers faced serious problems. Crop prices were low, railroads charged high shipping fees, and banks demanded large loan payments. Farmers felt that big businesses and the government were not helping them. They believed they needed to come together and fight for economic fairness.

Rise of the Populists

Farmers formed groups like the Grange and the Farmers’ Alliances. These groups eventually created a political party called the Populist Party or People’s Party, formed in 1892. The Populists wanted the government to control railroad prices, create fair taxes, and help farmers get low-interest loans. They also supported shorter workdays for factory workers.

Gift for the Grangers (1873) - Public Domain

William Jennings Bryan

One of the most famous Populist leaders was William Jennings Bryan. He gave a powerful speech called the “Cross of Gold” speech in 1896, arguing that the government should help ordinary people, not just big business. He ran for president but lost to William McKinley. Still, his ideas greatly influenced American politics.

William Jennings Bryan Postage Stamp

Why the Movement Faded

The Populist Party never fully succeeded in winning national elections. After 1896, many Populists joined the Democratic Party. However, their ideas lived on. Later reformers in the Progressive Era used many Populist ideas to regulate businesses and support workers’ rights.

Lasting Legacy

The Populist Movement showed that everyday people—especially farmers and workers— could organize to demand change. Though the party faded, it helped inspire future political reforms and made Americans question the power of big business.

Timeline

  • 1870s – Farmers form the Grange to fight railroad prices.
  • 1880s – Farmers’ Alliances gain support.
  • 1892 – Populist Party is formed.
  • 1896 – William Jennings Bryan runs for president.
  • Early 1900s – Populist ideas influence the Progressive Era.

Glossary

  • Populist – Someone who represents common people instead of the wealthy.
  • Grange – An early farmers’ organization.
  • Alliance – A group formed to work together toward a goal.
  • Regulate – To control or make rules for something.
  • Cross of Gold Speech – A famous speech supporting farmers and workers.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why were farmers struggling during the Gilded Age?
  2. What were the main goals of the Populist Party?
  3. How did William Jennings Bryan influence American politics?
  4. Can you think of modern groups that speak for ordinary people?

Farmers in Trouble

In the late 1800s, many farmers had a hard time. Crop prices dropped, railroads charged high fees, and banks wanted their money back quickly. Farmers felt like big businesses were taking advantage of them.

Farmers Organize

Farmers formed groups like the Grange and the Farmers’ Alliances. In 1892, they created a political group called the Populist Party. They wanted fair railroad prices, better loans, and more help from the government.

A Powerful Voice

One of the leaders was William Jennings Bryan. He gave a famous speech called the “Cross of Gold” speech. He believed the government should help ordinary people, not just the rich.

The Movement’s Legacy

The Populist Party did not win major elections, but their ideas were used later in the Progressive Era. They showed that workers and farmers could speak up and demand change.

Timeline

  • 1892 – Populist Party is formed.
  • 1896 – William Jennings Bryan runs for president.

Glossary

  • Populist – Someone who supports ordinary people.
  • Grange – Farmers’ group that fought high railroad prices.
  • Speech – A talk given in public to share ideas.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why were farmers upset during this time?
  2. What did the Populist Party want to change?
  3. Can one voice make a difference in history?