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.

Critical Thinking 13-2

How successful were government efforts to promote settlement of the great plains?

The government had great success in promoting the settlement of the great plains. One way they promoted westward expansion was through the creation of railroads. The creation of railroads gave the option of transporting goods, mainly farm crops across the country with ease.

However, the governments main attraction for the settlement in the west was the homestead act. With the homestead act, people would travel westward to claim what ever land they could, and keep it for no charge. This was extremely appealing to the people, especially the farmers in need of more crop space.

Because of the Homestead act, the plains in the western United States became highly populated. People in the east saw this populate westward expansion, more and more citizens decided to move west and claim of purchase their own land.