Chapter 7 Flashcards
(92 cards)
What was the republican dominance
Between 1868 and 1932, Grover Cleveland and Woodrow Wilson were the only two democrats to interup the long chain of republican presidents that stretched from Ulysses grant to Hubert hoover
What was the significance of progressivism in 1912
Progressivism had become the central issue in American pollitics a new national progressive party was formed, progressivism deeply divided the republicans and caused the revival of the democrats under Cleveland
What support did democrats have
They had a stronghold on the south and in the northeast especially from blue collar workers and recent immigrants.
How did democrat support change during the 1890s
The democrats won a lot of support from small farmers in western states.
What were the similarities between Harrison and Cleveland
Supported policies of sound money backed by gold standard
What is gold standard
A system of finance that maintains the value of the currency by tying the currency to a fixed price backed by gold reserves.
What was the criticism of the gold standard
Opponents claimed that it harmed the economy by restricting the amount of money in circulation.
What was the populist view on gold standard
They saw the gold standard as the main reason for the depressed rural economy. They wanted more money to be available more cheaply go make more loans available and debts easier to pay.
What was the key question in elections regarding the Democratic Party?
Which Democratic candidate would be nominated
What was a significant factor in the Democratic Party’s support during the 1890s?
Support from small farmers in the Western states
What characterized the political balance between parties in the era of weak presidents?
Very even, shown by close election battles
What financial policy did both Grover Cleveland and Benjamin Harrison support?
Conservative financial policies of sound money backed by the gold standard
What event in the 1890s led to a revitalized Republican Party?
The turning point election of 1896
What was Populism first known as?
The People’s Party
When did the Populists set out their manifesto?
In the Omaha Platform in July 1892
What was a central theme of the Omaha Platform?
The need to fight corruption in government
What economic system did Populists criticize as harmful to the rural economy?
The gold standard
What alternative monetary policy did Populists advocate?
Free silver or bimetallism
What were some demands of the Populists?
- Government ownership of the railroads
- Acquisition of land from corporations and foreigners
- Graduated income tax
- Currency not controlled by private bankers
- Free silver
Which protest movements contributed to the rise of Populism?
- Patrons of Husbandry (The Grange)
- Various Farmers’ Alliances
- Knights of Labor
Who was a key leader of the Populist movement?
William Jennings Bryan
What year did William Jennings Bryan first run for president?
1896
What was the outcome of Bryan’s presidential bid in 1896?
He lost narrowly
What economic challenges faced the Democratic Party after the 1894 mid-term elections?
A depression and weakened party showing