Harp Week
Harp Week: The Presidential Elections: 1896 Mc Kinley v. Bryan
A three-page look at the campaign and election of 1896 in which William McKinley, the Republican candidate, ran against Wiliam Jennings Bryan, the Democratic candidate. Read about the nominating conventions, the platforms, and the...
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: The Era of Expansion and Reform
Outlines the period of United States history between the Civil War and World War I known as the Era of Expansion and Reform.
Other
Austin Community Coll.: Populism & Political Realignment
Austin Community College provides a scholarly analysis of the characteristics, demands, and obstacles faced by the Populists. Discusses the impact of Populist politics on the 1894-96 elections and on the Republican and Democrat parties.
Harp Week
Harp Week: Elections: 1892 Overview Cleveland v. Harrison v. Weaver
This four-page review of the campaign and election of 1892 includes a review of Benjamin Harrison's term in office from 1888-1892, the controversy in determining a presidential candidate, and the presence of a possibly viable third-party...
Nebraska Studies
Nebraska Studies: Roots of Progressivism
A lengthy discussion of Populism and the Populist Party, especially in Nebraska. Read about the Populist Party platform, issues, candidates, and how populism formed the roots of the progressivism in the early 20th century.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: William Jennings Bryan
Here is a short biography on William Jennings Bryan, American politician of the Populist Party. Additional information can be found through the articles at the bottom of the page regarding Bryan's causes, his principles, and the Free...
University of Nebraska
University of Nebraska Lincoln: Editing Populism: The Omaha Platform of 1892
A section of an article on Populism. It looks at the Omaha Platform of 1892, which was adopted by the Populist Party at its founding convention. George H. Gibson's views on Populism are discussed - he was editor of Wealth Makers, a...
University of North Carolina
The Thomas E. Watson Papers: About Watson
A brief biography of Thomas E. Watson, who was the vice-presidential nominee for the Populist Party in 1896.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Texas Joins the Battle: Cartoon, Houston Daily Post, March 30, 1896
Here is a political cartoon showing showing the split between those who favored the gold standard and those favoring the silver standard, and how the Populist Party took advantage of that split. Learn what this means by taking a look at...
Vassar College
Vassar College: 1896: Populist Party Platform
This 1896, Website of Political Cartoons page presents the People's (Populist) Party platform of 1896. The platform discusses the finances, railroads and telegraphs, the public lands, the referendum, the territories, public salaries,...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Age of Jackson: The Rise of the Common Man
Describes how Andrew Jackson emerged as the first populist president to appeal to the common man.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: The Movement Comes of Age: e.l. Dohoney to Erminia Folsom, Dec 20, 1914
Read about E.L. Dahoney, a prohibitionist in favor of women's suffrage, and read a letter in which he ties together the two causes he supported.
Vassar College
Vassar: 1896: The Presidential Campaign: Cartoons and Commentary
This extensive site from the Vassar College on the 1896 presidential election includes links to cartoons, parties and platforms, leaders, campaign themes, and special features.
Other
Authentic History Center: The Election of 1896
Detailed description of the issues, politicians, and campaigns that were a part of the 1896 election in the United States. William McKinley defeated William Jennings Bryan and became President. Includes many primary sources.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Progressivsim Sweeps the Nation
The government that supported laissez-faire policies and Social Darwinism was finally considered corrupt and immoral. Read about the ideas of the Progressive Era and see how these ideas were put into activist government policy.
Harp Week
Harp Week: The Cleveland Record
Grover Cleveland's second term in office was problematic, which affected the election of 1896. Read about the economic depression of 1893, the labor unrest, Coxey's army, and controversial Supreme Court decisions that were handed down...
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: William Mc Kinley: The Campaign and Election of 1896
Read about the campaign of 1896 in which William McKinley represented the Republican Party and William Jennings Bryan the Democratic Party. One big issue was the contrast between the use of the gold standard as opppsed to free silver.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Religious Transformation and the Second Great Awakening
The first half of the 19th century saw the emergence of many social and religious movements. Read about the Second Great Awakening and how it related to and changed the practice of and participation in religious life. See also how it...
Oregon Secretary of State
Oregon History: Troubled Times
Although this site concerns itself with Oregon, the issues are nationwide. Article discusses the background of the Populist movement.
Oklahoma Historical Society
Oklahoma State University: Enclopedia of History and Culture: Thomas Gore
Learn about the personal life and career of Oklahoma senator Thomas Gore. Includes a discussion of his blindness and involvement in the Populist movement.
Tom Richey
Tom Richey: Agrarian Movements and Populism
While the explosion of industry had its positive marks on the economy, it also took its toll on some aspects of the nation. This slideshow will illustrate the problems and societal changes many farmers, immigrants, labor unions, and the...
History Teacher
Historyteacher.net: The Rise of Big Business & the Labor Movement: Quiz (2)
This 10-question multiple choice quiz is immediately scored and tests your knowledge of the labor movement in the late 19th century.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Election of 1896
Read about the election of 1896 which had one candidate representing two political parties, and the other candidate who did not campaign. See what people supported the Democratic candidate and why. Find out who was elected and who...
Library of Congress
Loc: Biographical Directory of the u.s. Congress: Weaver, James Baird
This site from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress provides a brief biographical sketch of Weaver, who was the presidential candidate of the Greenback Party in 1880.