Farmers Alliance

Oliver Kelley formed for social and educational purposes
--later economic w/ cooperatives
--later political w/ Granger laws in IL, MN, IA, WI

SC upheld right of states to regulate businesses of public nature---Grain elevators
--win for Grangers

SC ruled states could not regulate interstate commerce--"Railroads"
Loss for Grangers

required RR rates to be reasonable and just
set up Interstate Commerce Commission -- power to investigate and prosecute pools, rebates, & other discriminatory practices

(ended up helping RR's more than farmers)

National Alliance --(national organization of farmers)
supported following:
- direct election of Senators
- lower tariff rates
- graduated income tax,
- new banking system w. regulations
- inc. greenbacks in circulation

Populist Party Platform
Political:
1. direct election of senators
2. initiatives and referendums
Economic:
1. unlimited coinage of silver
2. graduated income tax
3. public ownership of RR's
4. gov't ownership of telephone/telegraph
5. loans & fed. warehouses for farmers
6. 8 hour workday for industrial workers

James Weaver - populist candidate wins 1 million votes
President Cleveland (D) defeats Harrison (R) in rematch of election of 1888

Worst economic crisis before Great Depression
stock market crashed - over speculation
20 % unemployment
farms foreclosed
--inc. populist movement

William Jennings Bryan
Populist & Dem. candidate
--Gold Standard bad for America
--favored unlimited coinage of silver

McKinley (R) defeats Bryan (D, P)
--McKinley supported by RR tycoon Hanna
--demise of Populists
--Big Business & Industrial & Urban votes win over rural