1.
All of the following added to the economic woes of the farmers of the plains except:
Correct Answer
B. The value of greenbacks was rising
Explanation
The value of greenbacks rising would actually benefit farmers rather than adding to their economic woes. Greenbacks were paper money issued during the Civil War that were not backed by gold or silver. As their value increased, it meant that farmers could pay off their debts and loans with less money, which would provide them with some relief. Therefore, the rising value of greenbacks would not contribute to the economic difficulties faced by farmers.
2.
All of the following is true of the Grange except
Correct Answer
B. It allowed African-Americans to join its membership
Explanation
The Grange, also known as the Patrons of Husbandry, was an organization founded by Oliver Kelley in 1867. It aimed to improve the social and economic conditions of farmers in the United States. The Grange provided a social outlet for isolated farmers, as it organized social gatherings and events. Additionally, the organization sought to break the power that railroads held over farmers through various means, such as advocating for government regulation of railroad rates. However, the Grange did not allow African-Americans to join its membership, making this statement false.
3.
Members of this party were mainly business owners and bankers from industrialized areas.
Correct Answer
A. Republican
Explanation
The correct answer is Republican because the statement indicates that the party members were mainly business owners and bankers from industrialized areas. The Republican Party has historically been associated with business interests and has been supported by wealthy individuals and corporations. This aligns with the description provided in the statement.
4.
This was a monetary system in which the government would give people silver or gold in exchange for paper currency.
Correct Answer
D. Bimetallism
Explanation
Bimetallism refers to a monetary system where the government exchanges paper currency for silver or gold. In this system, people could choose to receive either silver or gold in exchange for their paper money. This allowed for flexibility in the monetary system and gave individuals the option to hold precious metals as a form of currency. Bimetallism was a common practice in the past, particularly during the 19th century, when countries used both silver and gold as the basis for their currency.
5.
He was nominated by two parties as their candidate for the 1896 presidential election.
Correct Answer
B. William Jennings Bryan
Explanation
William Jennings Bryan was nominated by two parties as their candidate for the 1896 presidential election. This indicates that he had broad support and was seen as a strong candidate by both parties. This level of bipartisan endorsement suggests that Bryan was a highly respected and influential figure in the political landscape of that time.
6.
Which of the following marked the collapse of Populism?
Correct Answer
D. The election of William McKinley
Explanation
The collapse of Populism can be attributed to the election of William McKinley. After the Panic of 1893, which caused an economic depression, the Populist movement lost momentum. McKinley's victory in the election of 1896 marked a shift in political power towards the Republicans and away from the Populist Party. This election result further weakened the Populist movement and ultimately led to its decline.
7.
Why did the Plains farmers in the late 1800s tend to support bimetallism?
Correct Answer
A. It would put more money in circulation.
Explanation
Plains farmers in the late 1800s tended to support bimetallism because it would put more money in circulation. Bimetallism is a monetary system where the value of currency is based on both gold and silver. Farmers believed that by increasing the money supply through bimetallism, it would lead to inflation and higher crop prices. This would benefit them by allowing them to earn more money for their agricultural products and pay off their debts more easily.
8.
All of the following were reforms proposed by the Populist party except:
Correct Answer
B. Unlimited immigration to fill the vacancies in the labor supply
Explanation
The Populist party was a political party in the late 19th century that aimed to represent the interests of farmers and laborers. They advocated for various reforms to address the economic and political issues of the time. A graduated income tax, direct election of senators by the people, and secret ballot were all reforms proposed by the Populist party. However, unlimited immigration to fill labor vacancies was not a reform they proposed. The Populists were more focused on protecting the rights and interests of American workers, and unlimited immigration could have been seen as a threat to job opportunities and wages for American workers.
9.
The Grange did all of the following except:
Correct Answer
A. Support the banks
Explanation
The Grange was a social and political organization formed by farmers in the late 19th century. They advocated for the rights and interests of farmers, particularly in rural areas. The Grange supported political candidates who aligned with their goals, opposed the railroads due to their unfair practices towards farmers, and also opposed the banks, as they believed that the banking system was exploiting farmers. However, the Grange did not support the banks, as they saw them as part of the economic system that was working against the interests of farmers.