Question

Why did the Populist movement collapse?

Answer 1

Corporate abuses, mismanagement, overbuilding and competition pushed many railroads to the brink of bankruptcy.

Answer 2

These are a few of the main reasons down below

Step-by-step explanation:

Failed to make the gains they expected in the 1892 election

- Lost the 1896 election

- frightened businessmen into opposition, e.g. Mark Hanna supporting McKinley and employers scaring east coast workers

- Media was against them. The New York Times described Bryan as 'irresponsible, irregulated, ignorant, prejudiced, pathetically honest and enthusiastic crank'. This was due to his 'demagogue' status.

- populism never really spread to cities.