UNIT 4: Populism, Grangers, and Labor movement

"Having behind us the producing masses of this nation and the world, supported by the commercial interests, the laboring interests, and the toilers everywhere, we will answer their demand for a gold standard by saying to them: 'You shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns; you shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold."

Based on this speech, what did Bryan demand in his subsequent campaign for the Presidency?

• The acquisition of colonies to increase employment opportunities.

• The creation of a national park system to protect the nation's wildlife.

• A policy of bimetallism that would help farmers by increasing inflation and raising crop prices.

In the late 1800s, how did railroad monopolies create economic hardships for farmers?

• By claiming productive land for business leaders to develop.

• By charging high prices to ship agricultural goods to market.

• By separating farmers from profitable markets in Western cities.

Why did Bryan's rural supporters believe that the gold standard was oppressive?

• They knew that the railroad owners and grain elevators usually insisted on being paid with gold coin.

• They believed that a policy of bimetallism would lead crop prices to rise, making farm debts less burdensome.

• They feared that speculators like Jay Gould and James Fisk would manipulate prices by cornering the gold market.

What was the purpose of the Grange movement

• to fight the corruption of political machines in the cities

• to break rural isolation of farmers and represent their interests

• to halt the influx of immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe

Based on the cartoon, what conclusion can be reached about the United States in the early 1880s?

• Most American manufacturing was controlled by business monopolies.

• Some American critics felt workers were being oppressed by business monopolies.

• Government leaders were finally taking steps to curb the power of business monopolies.

Which of the following concepts is illustrated by the workers in the drawing above?

• Capitalism

• Low wages

• Collective bargaining

• Workmen's Compensation

Which was an important consequence of the Haymarket Riot?

• decline of the Knights of Labor

• rally of public opinion in favor of workers

• victory of workers in the Homestead Strike

This controversial event in Chicago (1886) resulted in seven police and four protester fatalities, as well greatly discrediting the union movement.

• Wrigley Riot

• Pullman Strike

• Haymarket Riot

• Homestead Strike

This was a political party that was formed by farmers who wanted to raise crop prices.

• Vaquero
• Vigilante
• Populist 
• Granger

The dollar was alreay backed by gold, but Farmers and grangers wanted the government to also back up money with _______________. This was called "bimetallism"

• gold

• silver

• sod

• steel