USH Module 4A Section #4 Bellwork

What was a major problem faced by farmers in the late 19th century?

• High railroad rates and mounting debt

• Decreasing population in rural areas

• Overproduction led to rising crop prices

• Government protection of small farms

Match each organization with its primary goal.

• The Grange

• Political reforms to aid struggling farmers

• Farmers' Alliance

• Social and educational support for farmers

• Populist Party

• Pushed for policies like free silver and government control of railroads

The ​ (a)   was passed to regulate railroad rates, but enforcement was weak due to the limited power of the ​ (b)   .

• Interstate Commerce Act
• Interstate Commerce Commission
• Sherman Antitrust Act
• Homestead Act
• Populist Party
• Congress

Arrange these key events in chronological order.

• Passage of the Interstate Commerce Act

• Formation of the Populist Party

• William Jennings Bryan’s "Cross of Gold" Speech

Why did farmers support bimetallism?

• It would increase inflation and raise crop prices

• It would lower transportation costs

• It would eliminate the need for bank loans

• It would reduce government regulations

Read the excerpt and answer the question.

“If they dare to come out in the open field and defend the gold standard as a good thing, we will fight them to the uttermost. Having behind us the producing masses of this nation and the world, supported by the commercial 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.”

What issue was Bryan addressing in this speech?

• Opposition to monopolies and trusts, specifically Rockefeller’s Standard Oil

• The impact of the gold standard on farmers and laborers

• The need for stronger antitrust laws and for labor unions

• The regulation of railroad pricing

Why did the Populist Party want government ownership of railroads?

• To increase profits for large corporations

• To eliminate competition in the railroad industry

• To restrict interstate trade

• To reduce transportation costs for farmers

Match each term with its description.

• Populist Party

• Political group focused on farmers’ interests

• Gold Standard

• Using both gold and silver to back currency

• Bimetallism

• Currency backed only by gold

• Interstate Commerce Act

• First attempt to regulate railroad practices

Read the excerpt and answer the question.

“We demand a graduated income tax. …Transportation being a means of exchange and a public necessity, the government should own and operate the railroads… The land, including all the natural sources of wealth, is the heritage of the people, and should not be monopolized for speculative purposes, and alien ownership of land should be prohibited…”

What was a key demand of the Populist Party?

• Expanding land ownership for corporations and trusts

• Supporting a limited federal government by supporting government regulation and labor unions

• Government control of transportation and fair voting rights

• Removing all taxation on the wealthy

One major reason the ​Populist Party failed was ​ (a)   , as many white Southern farmers refused to support a movement that included ​ (b)   .

• Racial divisions
• African American farmers
• Opposition from the government
• Economic prosperity
• Factory workers
• Railroad executives