Question

In a paragraph, describe why the election of 1896 could be considered a turning

point in American politics. Be sure to consider the successes and failures of
populism. Also consider what happened to the Populist Party, as well as the
Democrats and the Republicans, in the years after the election.

Answer 1

Former Governor William McKinley, the Republican candidate, defeated Democrat William Jennings Bryan. The 1896 campaign, which took place during an economic depression known as the Panic of 1893, was a political realignment that ended the old Third Party System and began the Fourth Party System.