APUSH APUSH Period 6 1865 1898 Populism and the Farmers Revolt

Why This Matters

The Farmers' Revolt, a key aspect of populism in the late 19th century, highlights the struggle for economic and social justice in the United States. This movement's emphasis on direct democracy, anti-monopoly policies, and government intervention in the economy reflects the AP theme of Politics and Power, demonstrating how various groups and ideologies vie for influence and control in shaping the nation's course. Understanding the Farmers' Revolt is essential for grasping the complexities of American politics during this period and the ongoing debates about the role of government in the economy.

Key Events & People

• The Grange Movement (1867): A farmers' organization that advocated for agricultural reform, improved transportation, and fair prices for crops.
• Mary Elizabeth Lease (1880s): A prominent women's rights activist and populist leader who encouraged farmers to "raise less corn and more hell."
• William Jennings Bryan (1896): A Democratic presidential candidate who championed free silver and the gold standard, reflecting the populist desire for economic reform.
• The Populist Party Platform (1892): A comprehensive set of policies that included government ownership of railroads, telegraphs, and telephone companies, as well as a graduated income tax.
• The Sherman Silver Purchase Act (1890): A law that required the government to buy a certain amount of silver, which was seen as a populist victory but ultimately led to economic instability.
• The Homestead Act (1862): A law that allowed settlers to claim land for free, leading to westward expansion and the growth of small-scale farming.
• The Farmers' Alliance (1880s): A network of farmers' organizations that advocated for agricultural reform and cooperatives.
• David A. Wells (1870s): A economist who argued that the government should intervene in the economy to address issues like monopolies and high interest rates.
• The Gold Standard Act (1879): A law that established the gold standard, which was seen as a threat to farmers' economic interests.
• The McKinley Tariff (1890): A protectionist trade policy that raised tariffs on imported goods, leading to widespread criticism from farmers and populists.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The rapid industrialization and urbanization of the late 19th century led to a growing wealth gap between industrialists and farmers.
• Effect: Farmers felt increasingly marginalized and exploited, leading to the rise of populist movements.
• Long-term consequence: The Farmers' Revolt contributed to the eventual passage of progressive reforms, such as the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Trade Commission, which addressed some of the economic concerns of farmers and laborers.

Essential Vocabulary

• Populism: A political ideology that emphasizes direct democracy, anti-monopoly policies, and government intervention in the economy.
• Granger Movement: A farmers' organization that advocated for agricultural reform and fair prices for crops.
• Free Silver: A policy that advocated for the free and unlimited coinage of silver, which was seen as a way to increase the money supply and benefit farmers.
• Gold Standard: A monetary system in which the value of currency is pegged to the value of gold.
• Sherman Silver Purchase Act: A law that required the government to buy a certain amount of silver, which was seen as a populist victory but ultimately led to economic instability.
• Homestead Act: A law that allowed settlers to claim land for free, leading to westward expansion and the growth of small-scale farming.
• Farmers' Alliance: A network of farmers' organizations that advocated for agricultural reform and cooperatives.
• David A. Wells: An economist who argued that the government should intervene in the economy to address issues like monopolies and high interest rates.
• McKinley Tariff: A protectionist trade policy that raised tariffs on imported goods, leading to widespread criticism from farmers and populists.
• Gilded Age: A term used to describe the period of rapid industrialization and economic growth in the late 19th century, characterized by widespread poverty and inequality.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: The Grange Movement was a single event, rather than a long-term movement.
• Correction: The Grange Movement was a series of events and organizations that advocated for agricultural reform and fair prices for crops, spanning from the 1860s to the 1890s.
• What students often get wrong: William Jennings Bryan was a single-issue candidate who only advocated for free silver.
• Correction: William Jennings Bryan was a presidential candidate who championed a range of populist policies, including free silver, the gold standard, and government ownership of railroads.
• What students often get wrong: The Sherman Silver Purchase Act was a successful populist policy.
• Correction: The Sherman Silver Purchase Act was seen as a populist victory but ultimately led to economic instability and was repealed in 1893.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Possible essay prompt: Analyze the role of the Grange Movement in shaping the Farmers' Revolt. Be sure to include specific examples from the movement's platform and key events.
  • Evidence: Grange Movement platform, Mary Elizabeth Lease's speeches, Farmers' Alliance meetings
• Possible essay prompt: Evaluate the impact of the McKinley Tariff on the Farmers' Revolt. Be sure to include specific examples from the tariff's effects on farmers and the populist response.
  • Evidence: McKinley Tariff, Farmers' Alliance protests, William Jennings Bryan's speeches
• Possible essay prompt: Discuss the relationship between the Farmers' Revolt and the rise of progressive reforms in the early 20th century. Be sure to include specific examples from the reforms and the populist movement.
  • Evidence: Federal Reserve System, Federal Trade Commission, David A. Wells' writings

Quick Self‑Check

1. What was the primary goal of the Grange Movement?
   • Correct answer: Agricultural reform and fair prices for crops.
   • Explanation: The Grange Movement was a series of events and organizations that advocated for agricultural reform and fair prices for crops.
2. Who was the presidential candidate who championed free silver and the gold standard?
   • Correct answer: William Jennings Bryan.
   • Explanation: William Jennings Bryan was a presidential candidate who championed a range of populist policies, including free silver and the gold standard.
3. What was the effect of the McKinley Tariff on farmers?
   • Correct answer: The McKinley Tariff raised tariffs on imported goods, leading to widespread criticism from farmers and populists.
   • Explanation: The McKinley Tariff was a protectionist trade policy that raised tariffs on imported goods, leading to widespread criticism from farmers and populists.

Last‑Minute Cram Sheet

• ⚠️ The Grange Movement was not a single event, but a series of events and organizations that advocated for agricultural reform and fair prices for crops.
• The Sherman Silver Purchase Act was seen as a populist victory but ultimately led to economic instability and was repealed in 1893.
• The McKinley Tariff raised tariffs on imported goods, leading to widespread criticism from farmers and populists.
• William Jennings Bryan was a presidential candidate who championed a range of populist policies, including free silver and the gold standard.
• The Farmers' Revolt contributed to the eventual passage of progressive reforms, such as the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Trade Commission.
• The Homestead Act allowed settlers to claim land for free, leading to westward expansion and the growth of small-scale farming.
• David A. Wells argued that the government should intervene in the economy to address issues like monopolies and high interest rates.
• The Gold Standard Act established the gold standard, which was seen as a threat to farmers' economic interests.
• The Populist Party Platform included government ownership of railroads, telegraphs, and telephone companies, as well as a graduated income tax.
• Mary Elizabeth Lease encouraged farmers to "raise less corn and more hell."