Kansas History
Lesson 3
IV. Populism
A “In
A.
In God We Trusted,
Trusted In Kansas We Busted!
Busted!”
1. Farmers were upset with poor economic conditions
2. Industrialists in East were very wealthy – farmers were poor
a) called on govt. for equality.
3. Farmers purchased new equipment – went into debt.
a) produced a surplus – prices fell
4. In 1880’s – 1890’s Æ banks foreclosed on 11,000
,
KS farms
B. People’s Party
1. Who should the govt. represent – Workers or Big Business?
a) farmers felt railroads charged unfair prices
b) farmers felt banks were charging too much interest
c) felt the govt. favored Big Business
2. Political Party
y made of farmers – “The People’s
p
Party”
y
a) change the U.S. mint – keep money available
b) break up monopolies and trusts
c) income tax – tax rich at higher rates
e) limit govt. revenue – not exceed spending
f) govt. owned railroads, telegraph, telephone
g) prevent land speculation by non-U.S. citizens
h) election reform – secret ballot, recall officials, etc.
C. Mary Elizabeth Lease
1. writer, lawyer, and lecturer
a) came to KS as a school teacher
2. campaigned for civil rights, women’s rights, etc.
3. Populist campaigner – said govt. controlled by Wall St.
a) fought for equality
D. Annie Diggs
1. writer who wanted reform – suffrage, temperance, and populist
2. Helped Populists campaign and win elections
E Populist
E.
P
li t Players
Pl
in
i Kansas
K
1. 1890 elections – 92 Pop. legislators were elected in KS
2. Republicans began to listen to Pop. ideas
3. Jeremiah Simpson
p
– “Sockless Jerry”
y – Med. Lodge
g
a) accused opponent of wearing silk stockings (wealthy)
b) said he didn’t own any – “sockless” - he won
4. William Peffer – became U.S. Senator
a) wanted govt.
govt to represent “all”
all – not a few wealthy men
5. In 1892 – Populist party controlled most seats in KS legislature