PROBLEMS FOR FARMERS, CORRUPT POLITICS, AND

JAMES K. VARDAMAN

Chapter 7

Problems for Small Farmers

In 1907, the boll weevil invaded Mississippi.

Boll weevil: small beetle that attacks the bolls where cotton fibers are formed.

Problems for Small Farmers

Problems for Small Farmers

Problems for Small Farmers

Problems for Small Farmers

Farmers also suffered from falling cotton prices.

Prices dropped from 18 – 20 cents per pound down to 11 cents per pound.

Problems for Small Farmers

Farmers were also suffering from high tariffs.

Republicans in Washington favored businessmen over farmers.

Problems for Small Farmers

Farmers also suffered from the gold standard.

Gold standard: Policy that stated that only gold would be used to give paper money its value.

These issues will lead to a national political revolt among farmers.

Mississippi Farmers’ Alliance

The Mississippi Farmers’ Alliance was an organization designed to help small farmers.

Mississippi Farmers’ Alliance

Frank Burkitt was chosen to lead this organization.

Mississippi Farmers’ Alliance

The Alliance supported the Sub-Treasury Plan.

Sub-Treasury Plan: A plan designed to help farmers with credit and with storing surplus crops.

Mississippi Farmers’ Alliance

Mississippi Farmers’ Alliance

Ethelbert Barksdale was endorsed by farmers for senator.

He supported farmersHe supported the Sub-Treasury Plan

He lost because the legislature voted at the time, not the voters.

Mississippi Farmers’ Alliance

Mississippi People’s Party

Frank Burkitt formed the People’s party as an outlet for small farmers.

Populists: supporters of the People’s party.

Populism

Populism: a political doctrine that appeals to the interests and conceptions of the general people.

Mississippi People’s Party

Demands of the Populists:Tariff reformGraduated income taxRegulation of railroadsThe use of silver as moneyDirect election of senators

Mississippi People’s Party

Frank Burkitt ran for governor in 1891 as a Populist.

He lost because Democrats spread a rumor that he would allow black political power if elected.

Political Corruption

Patronage: appointing people to positions as a reward for political support.

Political “bosses” dominated political partiesVoting fraud was commonCampaigns and debates were more entertaining

then informative

James K. Vardaman

James K. Vardaman was elected governor in 1903. He supported the poor, white, farming population of Mississippi.

James K. Vardaman

James K. Vardaman

James K. Vardaman

The Positive:Improved conditions for prisonersIncreased funding for schools (white schools)

Regulated railroads and insurance

Favored farmers over big business

James K. Vardaman

The negative:RacistStated that it was a waste of the state’s money to educate black children.