Economic Challenges and Political Movements

The video explores the economic struggles of American farmers post-Civil War, leading to the rise of the Populist Movement. It discusses the creation of the greenback, the impact of railroad pricing, and the formation of the Farmers Alliance. The Panic of 1893 and the debate over bimetallism versus the gold standard are highlighted, along with the 1894 election where William Jennings Bryan's campaign emphasized these issues. Despite the Populist Party's decline, their influence on local and state politics remains significant.

What was one of the main economic challenges faced by farmers after the Civil War?

• Decrease in the value of money

• Increase in the value of goods

• Stable railroad prices

• Abundance of credit

What was the primary purpose of The Grange?

• To oppose the Farmers Alliance

• To support the gold standard

• To promote industrialization in the West

• To serve as a social and educational center for farmers

Who was a notable speaker at the Farmers Alliance?

• William McKinley

• Grover Cleveland

• Mary Elizabeth Lease

• William Jennings Bryan

What was a significant outcome of the Panic of 1893?

• Debate over the economic future of the U.S.

• Collapse of the Populist Party

• Strengthening of the gold standard

• Increase in railroad construction

What did the supporters of bimetallism advocate for?

• A monetary system backed by both gold and silver

• A monetary system backed by silver only

• A monetary system backed by gold only

• A monetary system with no backing

Who led the 'gold bugs' in favor of the gold standard?

• Mary Elizabeth Lease

• William Jennings Bryan

• Grover Cleveland

• Oliver Hudson Kelly

What was the central issue in the 1894 election?

• The role of the Farmers Alliance

• The debate over bimetallism and the gold standard

• The rise of industrialization

• The collapse of the railroads

How did William Jennings Bryan campaign during the 1894 election?

• He stayed on his front porch

• He traveled extensively, giving speeches

• He focused on radio broadcasts

• He relied solely on newspaper ads

What was a lasting impact of the Populist Movement?

• It resulted in the collapse of the Democratic Party

• It achieved major changes in local and state politics

• It caused the Panic of 1893

• It led to the immediate adoption of bimetallism

What does the 1894 election demonstrate about American politics?

• The power of grassroots movements

• The influence of money in politics

• The dominance of the Populist Party

• The decline of industrialization