Chapter 16, Student Web Activities, The American Vision, Glencoe, 2005

Social Studies, The American Republic Since 1877

Chapter 16: Politics and Reform, 1877–1896
"The 1896 Presidential Campaign"

Introduction
As you learned in this chapter, the presidential election of 1896 was one of the most complicated in the history of the United States. Farmers in the South and West, represented primarily by the Populist Party, called for "free silver" and sweeping reforms that would help families hard hit by the economic depression. At the Democratic convention, party members split on a divisive issue and headed into separate camps. Meanwhile, the Republicans ran a campaign that simply warned against the radical ideas of Populists and Democrats. At this Web site, you'll not only learn more about the political leaders and their platforms, you'll also see how the 1896 media depicted them in cartoons and commentaries.

Destination Title: 1896: The Presidential Campaign

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Directions

Start at the 1896: The Presidential Campaign Web site.

Click on Parties and Platforms.
Browse through the site, taking notes as you go. Be sure to link to the information for each major political party.

Read through the information, and then answer the following questions.

1. What was the Republican Party platform, and how did it present the opposing parties?

2. What were the chief differences between the two factions of the Democratic Party? How did the split impact the campaign?

3. Describe the factions within the Populist Party. What were the main issues that concerned Populists?

4. Select a cartoon and describe the symbols used within the cartoon to depict individuals or issues.

5. Assume either the role of a Silver Democrat, a Gold Democrat, a Republican, or a Populist. With other members of your class, explain and then debate how you will vote in the 1896 election, and why. Be sure to identify where you live, your occupation, and your concerns about the upcoming election.