2. Major Themes of the Week #1. Taming the West and Fulfilling the American Vision #2. Populism, Bimetallism, and William Jennings Bryan
3. PART 1: Taming the West and Fulfilling the American Vision Homesteading sucked Endless hard work Little communication between families Harsh weather conditions Lack of resources Technological Advances Made Homesteading “easier” Plow Windmill Seed drill
4. PART 1: Taming the West and Fulfilling the American Vision Moving West & the American Vision Americans have a tendency to want to expand or “improve” other lands (manifest destiny, Louisiana purchase, etc.) Quest to physically improve western land Quest to culturally improve “savages” that lived there Quest to personally improve their finances
5. PART 2: Populism, Bimetallism, and William Jennings Bryan Populism originates from the common people. Farmers, laymen, ranchers Populists continuously find themselves at odds with government and big business The Grange is created to mobilize the farmers and give them collective resources
6. PART 2: Populism, Bimetallism, and William Jennings Bryan Bimetallism is the theory that both gold and silver could be used as currency Populists wanted bimetallism More silver available, so more money for common person Would lead to increased costs of goods, which would lead to higher profits for farmers Big business wanted to keep to gold standard
7. PART 2: Populism, Bimetallism, and William Jennings Bryan Bryan wants to be President, so he jumps on board against the gold standard to gain the support of the Populists Symbolism of Picture Crown of Thorns ~ reference to the crucifixion ( what the govt was doing to the people) Golden Cross ~ again, reference to the crucifixion (it was gold because of the gold standard) Standing on the bible (Bryan was being supported by scripture)
