16B: populism

• Mechanization in the late 1800s in the Great Plains led to an increase in food production
• Farmers organizations like the Grange and the Farmers Alliance were against abusive railroad monopolies that raised prices on transporting food, putting farmers into debt
• After organizing and protesting, the government supported the farmers against the railroads with Munn v Illinois and the Interstate Commerce Act
• The Populist Party, a "Third Party," had support from farmers and advocated for free silver and the progressive income tax
• The Populist Party was led by William Jennings Bryan, who also ran for president and attacked big business leaders
• William Jennings Bryan, a Populist leader, famously said, “No man can earn a million dollars honestly,” and was defeated by big business supporter William McKinley in the elections
• “Free Silver” was an issue supported by Bryan and the Populists, aiming to back US money with gold and silver to create inflation and reduce farmers' debts