The 1890s saw economic turmoil and political upheaval in the United States. The Depression of 1893 hit hard, causing widespread unemployment and fueling support for the Populist Party, which advocated for reforms to help farmers and workers.

The 1896 election pitted Republican William McKinley against Democrat William Jennings Bryan. McKinley's victory marked a shift towards Republican dominance. Meanwhile, labor strikes highlighted growing tensions between workers and business owners, setting the stage for future conflicts.

Economic and Political Turmoil in the 1890s

Impact of 1893 Depression on Populism

• The Depression of 1893 severe economic downturn lasted until 1897 caused by overexpansion of railroad industry, decline in European demand for American agricultural products (wheat, cotton), and decrease in U.S. gold reserves
• Impact on workers widespread unemployment and wage cuts, estimated 3 million workers (20% of workforce) unemployed at peak of depression, many faced poverty, homelessness, and food insecurity
• Populist Party gained support as economic hardship experienced by farmers and workers led to increased support, advocated for reforms such as graduated income tax, government ownership of railroads and telegraphs (communication infrastructure), and free coinage of silver to increase money supply
• In 1894 midterm elections, Populist Party won several congressional seats and gained control of some state legislatures (Kansas, North Carolina)

Key events of 1896 presidential election

• Candidates and platforms William McKinley (Republican) supported gold standard and high tariffs to protect American industries (manufacturing), William Jennings Bryan (Democratic and Populist) advocated for free coinage of silver and progressive income tax
• Key events Bryan's passionate "Cross of Gold" speech at Democratic National Convention defended interests of farmers and workers against gold standard, McKinley's "front porch" campaign delivered speeches from home in Canton, Ohio while Bryan embarked on nationwide speaking tour
• Outcome McKinley won election with 271 electoral votes to Bryan's 176, victory seen as endorsement of gold standard and rejection of Populist agenda, marked beginning of period of Republican dominance in national politics lasted until 1930s (Great Depression)

Causes and consequences of 1890s labor strikes

• Causes of labor unrest poor working conditions, long hours (12-16 hour workdays), low wages, growing income inequality and concentration of wealth (Gilded Age), lack of legal protections for workers and unions
• Pullman Strike (1894) began when workers at Pullman Palace Car Company in Chicago struck to protest wage cuts and company's refusal to lower rents in company-owned housing, American Railway Union led by Eugene V. Debs supported strike by refusing to handle Pullman cars shutting down much of nation's rail traffic, President Grover Cleveland ordered federal troops to break strike leading to violence and arrest of union leaders, strike ultimately failed but highlighted growing tensions between labor and capital
• Other major strikes Homestead Strike (1892) violent confrontation between striking steel workers and Pinkerton detectives at Carnegie Steel Company in Pennsylvania, Coeur d'Alene Mining War (1892-1899) series of labor disputes and conflicts in silver mines of Idaho
• Consequences of labor unrest increased public awareness of plight of workers and need for labor reforms, growth of labor movement and formation of new unions (American Federation of Labor), gradual improvements in working conditions and wages although progress slow and uneven, continued tensions between labor and management setting stage for further conflicts in early 20th century (Coal Strike of 1902, Lawrence Textile Strike of 1912)

Industrial and Social Landscape

• Rapid industrialization led to the rise of large corporations and monopolies, concentrating economic power
• Labor unions emerged as a response to poor working conditions, advocating for workers' rights through collective bargaining
• Social reformers pushed for changes to address societal issues stemming from industrialization
• Strike-breaking tactics, including the use of private security forces, were employed by companies to counter labor unrest