Questions and Answers
What economic situation worked against farmers during the emergence of the Populist Party?
Supply and demand lowered prices.
What did farmers blame for their economic troubles?
What monetary standard did farmers think limited economic activity?
Gold standard
What was a key proposal of the Populist Party regarding the monetary system?
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Who did the Populist Party nominate for President?
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Which candidate supported the gold standard in the Election of 1896?
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The election of 1896 led to the strengthening of the Populist Party.
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What did the Progressive Era focus on?
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What approach did Populists and Progressives share?
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What role did women play in the Progressive Era?
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Which movement did women play a key role in during the Progressive Era?
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What amendment gave women the right to vote?
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The Progressives actively addressed racial discrimination during their reforms.
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Who became the youngest president in history after McKinley's assassination?
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What was the significance of the Anthracite Coal Strike in 1902?
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What did Upton Sinclair's 'The Jungle' expose?
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What was the purpose of the Federal Reserve Act?
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What did the Clayton Antitrust Act strengthen?
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Study Notes
The Rise And Fall Of The Populist Party
- Farmers faced economic struggles due to supply/demand issues; increased production lowered prices.
- Farmers blamed railroads for monopolistic pricing, resulting in debt as they borrowed for home and equipment purchases.
- Post-Civil War deflation doubled farmers' repayment amounts; they saw the gold standard as favorable to bankers, believing free silver would alleviate their debts.
The Birth Of The Populist Party
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Farmers united to form the Populist Party, seeing themselves as victims of an unjust system.
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The party included farmers, labor leaders, and women's rights activists, advocating for government control of railroads, free silver, 8-hour workdays, direct Senate elections, and a graduated income tax.
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James B. Weaver was nominated for president, receiving 9% of the vote and gaining Congressional seats.
The Election Of 1896
- Republicans selected William McKinley, a proponent of the gold standard; Democrats chose William Jennings Bryan, supporting free silver.
- The Populists endorsed Bryan to prevent splitting the silver vote, despite losing some party legitimacy.
- McKinley secured votes largely in the Northeast and Upper Midwest, leading to his victory.
Consequences Of The Election Of 1896
- The election effectively ended the Populist Party; the silver issue diminished due to new gold strikes increasing the money supply.
- European crop failures boosted American exports and farmers experienced renewed prosperity.
- Republican dominance began, yet the Populists' ideals influenced the later Progressive movement.
From Populism To Progressivism
- The end of the Populist Party led to a shift in reform efforts to a new generation of middle-class reformers addressing urbanization and industrialization.
- Progressivism spanned from 1900 to 1917, focusing on establishing a more democratic society.
Key Elements Of The Progressive Spirit
- Both Populists and Progressives opposed laissez-faire policies, advocating for active government intervention to solve social issues.
- Progressives rejected Social Darwinism, emphasizing the capacity of citizens to create beneficial societal changes.
The Muckrakers
- Investigative journalists, or muckrakers, highlighted corrupt practices through publications in magazines like Collier's and McClure's.
- Their reporting led to a public outcry for reforms and played a crucial role in the Progressive movement.
The "New Woman"
- The Progressive Era saw the emergence of the "New Woman," with middle-class women transitioning from domesticity to active community involvement.
- Women played a significant role in advocating for social change during this period.
Clubs And Settlement Houses
- Women embraced maternalism, seeking to enhance community well-being through clubs that pushed for public services like libraries and playgrounds.
- Jane Addams pioneered the settlement house movement, creating platforms for women to gain leadership experience.
The Temperance Movement
- Women were pivotal in the temperance movement, led by the Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) with around 150,000 members advocating against alcohol consumption.
- Their influence contributed to the passage of the 18th Amendment, prohibiting alcohol manufacture and sale.
Women's Suffrage
- Women's suffrage efforts gained momentum in the Progressive Era, marked by rallies, petitions, and marches.
- The 19th Amendment, passed in 1919, granted women the right to vote, marking a significant expansion of voting rights.
Continuity And Change
- Despite progress, women still lacked political power post-Progressive Era and faced barriers in professional fields, with continued struggles for African-American women.
- The 1920s saw a shift back to leisure, while the Great Depression revived reform efforts, laying groundwork for later governmental involvement in public life.
Roosevelt And The Square Deal
- Theodore Roosevelt became the youngest U.S. President after McKinley's assassination, championing Progressive reforms and government intervention.
The Anthracite Coal Strike, 1902
- During the United Mine Workers' strike, Roosevelt threatened federal intervention when mine owners refused to negotiate, marking the first impartial presidential intervention in labor disputes.
TR And The Trusts
- By 1901, economic trusts had significant power; Progressives believed they restricted trade.
- TR enforced the Sherman Antitrust Act, targeting monopolistic practices, notably breaking up the National Securities Company.
Consumer Protection
- Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle" exposed poor conditions in the meatpacking industry, leading to public demand for reform.
- Legislation like the Meat Inspection Act and Pure Food and Drug Act set new standards for food safety.
Roosevelt And The Environment
- Increased awareness of environmental exploitation led to conservation efforts, with creation of national parks to protect natural resources.
- Roosevelt supported the conservation movement, significantly increasing forest preserve acreage.
Roosevelt And The Preservationists
- Preservationists advocated for minimal human impact on nature; John Muir was a notable figure promoting access for enjoyment rather than utilization of land.
- Roosevelt added five national parks in alignment with these preservationist values.
The Hetch Hetchy Controversy
- A debate arose over the Hetch Hetchy Valley's use for a dam; conservationists led by Pinchot favored it, while preservationists led by Muir opposed it.
- Roosevelt ultimately sided with Pinchot, permitting the project to provide water to San Francisco.
Making Connections: Land Use Policy
- Pinchot's management approach influenced significant land use projects like Hoover Dam and the Tennessee Valley Authority, while Muir's principles shaped national monument policies.
Wilson And Progressive Reform
- Despite expectations, Taft's presidency alienated Progressives, paving the way for Wilson's election on a reform platform.
"The Triple Wall of Privilege"
- Wilson targeted the "triple wall of privilege," which consisted of tariffs, banking, and trusts.
- Legislation achieved included a reduction in tariffs and the establishment of the Federal Reserve System.
Racial Discrimination
- Wilson and many Progressives largely ignored racial discrimination, perpetuating the Jim Crow Laws that were prevalent in the South.
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Description
Explore the causes and effects surrounding the rise and fall of the Populist Party during Time Period 7 of APUSH. This quiz covers essential concepts like supply and demand impacts on farmers and the role of railroads in agricultural economics. Test your understanding of this critical era in American history.
