Emergence Of Modern America: The Gilded Age - The Birth Of The Populist Party

The economic panic of 1873 led to declining agricultural prices, causing financial distress for farmers. Blaming Eastern bankers, farmers formed alliances in the 1880s, advocating for railroad regulation, tax reform, and silver coinage. Ignored by major parties, they formed the Populist Party in 1892, focusing on silver coinage, income tax, and national bank abolition. The Populists gained support from disillusioned farmers and workers, influencing the Democratic Party. However, after the 1896 election loss and rising farm prices, the Populist Party dissolved, leaving a lasting political impact.

What was one of the main reasons farmers were financially struggling during the economic panic of 1873?

• Government subsidies

• High industrial profits

• Increased urbanization

• Declining agricultural prices

Which of the following was NOT a key agenda of the Populist Party?

• Graduated income tax

• Increased military spending

• Abolition of national banks

• Free coinage of silver

What was a significant factor that attracted industrial workers in the East to the Populist Party?

• Free education

• Higher wages

• Free land for non-citizens

• Promise of a shorter workday

In which year did the Populists run their first presidential candidate?

• 1890

• 1892

• 1894

• 1896

What event contributed to the decline of the Populist Party?

• Adoption of their ideas by the Republicans

• Rising farm prices

• Victory in the 1896 election

• Increased immigration