Greenback Labor party: 1870's-1880's: championed more "greenbacks" in the economy-to fund small farmers - desired silver standard for paper money

Farmer's Alliance's 1880's: more focused political groups: argued for:

RR regulation

silver-backed currency

immigration restriction

government intervention in big business

organize "People's Party' - 1888 - strong political unity/cohesion for agrarian discontent

1892 election: Populists emerge as 3rd party: receive 22 electoral votes: widespread popularity in rural South and West

Colorful, animated leadership: Mary Lease, "Sockless" Jerry Simpson, William Jennings Bryan

"bi-mettalism" is key issue: desire for more silver purchasing by government to release silver-backed dollars

In context of diffiuclt depression, tough economic times of 1890's

Bryan vs. William McKinley: " gold bugs" vs. "cross of gold"

key issue: silver/gold ration for paper currency: Populist goal: 16:1

Populists merge with Democrats: "fusion" candidate: Bryan

McKinley wins over Bryan: Populists effectively ended as independent political group

symbolic: growing urban-rural split in country

urbanization/industrialization also alienating many

had elements of pervasive racist, oppressive climate (nativist, anti-Semitic, etc.)

reform of current system or something new altogether?

Long-term significance?