Farmers, Politics, and Social Issues in the 1890s

Chapter 17 of Eric Phoner's book discusses the economic struggles of farmers and the impact of segregation in the late 19th century. It highlights the contrasting definitions of liberty between employers and employees, leading to the rise of the Populist Party. The chapter also covers the 1896 presidential election and the imposition of Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation and disenfranchised black voters. The period saw increased lynching and a rewriting of Civil War history to justify white dominance.

What was the employer's definition of liberty in the late 19th century?

• Emphasis on collective bargaining

• Focus on individual property rights

• Advocacy for government regulation

• Support for labor unions

What was a major concern for farmers in the late 1800s?

• Overregulation by the government

• Loss of economic independence

• High tariffs on imported goods

• Lack of access to education

What was the initial response of farmers to their economic challenges?

• Establishment of private schools

• Direct negotiation with banks

• Creation of the Farmers Alliance

• Formation of labor unions

Which political party did the farmers form to address their grievances?

• Democratic Party

• Republican Party

• Populist Party

• Libertarian Party

What was a key component of the Populist Party's platform in 1892?

• Privatization of railroads

• High tariffs on imports

• Direct election of senators

• Support for the gold standard

Who was the Populist Party's candidate in the 1892 presidential election?

• James Weaver

• Grover Cleveland

• William McKinley

• William Jennings Bryan

What was a major theme of the Democrats and Populists in the 1896 election?

• Opposition to labor unions

• Support for the gold standard

• Advocacy for free silver

• Promotion of high tariffs

What was a consequence of the Republican victory in the 1896 election?

• Increased support for free silver

• Democratic dominance in politics

• Republican dominance in national politics

• Rise of the Greenback Party

What was a key feature of the Jim Crow laws in the South?

• Integration of public facilities

• Legalized racial segregation

• Expansion of voting rights

• Support for black education

What was a consequence of the rise of white dominance in the South?

• Economic prosperity for all

• Integration of schools

• Rewriting of history to justify white dominance

• Increased political power for blacks