American Politics

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American Politics

Question One

The free silver in the 1890s was a political movement that supported the inflation of the money policy by utilizing the free silver coin for a bimetallic standard for the United States dollar (Hofstadter 188). The issue began in the mid 18th century and was majorly supported by people from the farm country (farmers). However, economists from higher learning institutions and editorial writers were against its application. It led to the depreciation of the American currency, and interest rates moved up thus affecting farmers through the contraction of the coin. The movement was headed by William Jennings Bryan, who used it as fund-raising to attract western silver mine owners who wanted to expand their market (Hofstadter 189).

Question Two

After people had suffered numerous losses due to inflation of the dollar due to the enactment of several reforms e.g. the income tax, Bryan decided to attacked banks for increased interest rates that were milking farmers (Hofstadter 198). This made people trust him and steered him to the political arena. He represented farmers, and this saw the farmers alliance grew in 1890. He was later chosen as Democratic Party candidate. Although regarded as having an inferior chance of winning the seat, he ended up clinching a surprise victory. Later in 1894, he lost in his bid to capture a place in the Senate, but he was able to get the nomination in 1896 (Hofstadter 200).

Question Three

Bryan was named the United States secretary after Woodrow Wilson won the presidential elections in 1912 (Hofstadter 200). He promoted treaties that required dispute resolution before engaging in war as a way of notching democracy. However, on June 9th, 1915, he was forced to resign due to his stand on the handling of the crisis by President Woodrow, which was caused by the German navy in sinking the British cruiser whereby approximately 1200 people died (Hofstadter 204).

Question Four

Theodore Roosevelt was considered a conservative, progressive president because he initiated the progressive party which supported labor, social insurance for workers, and free education for the public (Hofstadter 207). Besides, he also advocated for federal income tax and inheritance tax for major unions. Roosevelt signed many essential bills into law which were progressive and created the national service in most parks. Furthermore, he did not oppose immigrants as he encouraged immigration and reduced the power possessed by the private firms for example railways and oil companies. Finally, he advocated for the end of wars by supporting the League of Nations to end wars (Hofstadter 209).