Critical thinking 13-3

What do you think were the most significant factors in bringing an end to the Populist Party?

The collapse of populism was caused by a variety of issues. The idea was originated around what the majority of people wanted, mainly farmers in debt. Although this seemed like a safe haven for farmers, it was hell for everyone who had to deal with the result of inflation of silver and deflation of gold. (pg 428)

These issues with currency eventually led to the panic of 1893. while the farms and cash crops were living well, thousands of business' and banks went downhill. (pg 427) A large supporter of Populism was William Jennings Bryan. Bryan ran in the election of 1896 against Democrat William McKinley.(pg 429)

Obviously, those who make a living in the industrial mid-west didn't like the idea of populism destroying their lives with inflation and deflation. So, they voted for McKinley instead. Because the mid-west was now so highly populated, McKinley obviously won the election. Due to the results, Bryan's career went downhill from this point forward, and Populism went down with him.