Gilded Age Farming Issues

Political and Economic Context for Farmers

• American farmers experienced severe challenges during the Gilded Age, marked by political neglect and economic decline.
• Federal policies primarily favored industrial interests, adversely impacting agricultural pricing.
• Global economic factors contributed to falling prices, exacerbating farmers' struggles.

Emergence of Farmer Organizations

• Farmers initially united through the Granger movement, which aimed at addressing local agricultural issues.
• The movement evolved into Farmers' Alliances, focusing on political activism to combat monopolistic railroad pricing and unfavorable government policies.

Granger Laws and Legal Challenges

• Granger laws sought to regulate railroad rates and practices at the state level to support farmers.
• A significant Supreme Court case in 1886 invalidated these laws, prompting a shift in strategy toward national reform.

Formation and Goals of the Populist Party

• In response to ongoing hardships, farmers established the Populist Party to advocate for widespread reform.
• Key goals included the free coinage of silver to inflate currency, a graduated income tax, and the direct election of senators.

Impact of the 1892 Presidential Election

• James Weaver was the Populist Party's presidential candidate in 1892, securing over 8% of the popular vote, signaling the Party's growing influence.
• Weaver's candidacy highlighted farmers' concerns and brought their issues into the national political conversation.

1896 Election and Decline of the Populist Movement

• The 1896 presidential election saw Democratic candidate William Jennings Bryan adopt the free silver platform, which attracted Populist support.
• Bryan's nomination effectively marked the decline of the Populist movement, as their agenda was subsumed by the Democratic Party.