A Level History - America - Practice Exam

What was a key feature of the Omaha Platform?

1. Tax breaks for corporations

2. Free trade agreements with Europe

3. Bimetallism

4. Government cuts to agricultural subsidies

The correct answer is: Bimetallism

The Omaha Platform was a significant political manifesto of the Populist Party, adopted in 1892, which highlighted various reform policies aimed at addressing the grievances of farmers and laborers in the United States. One of its central tenets was the demand for bimetallism, which called for the use of both gold and silver as legal tender. This was seen as a way to increase the money supply, thereby combating deflation and providing more credit to farmers who were struggling with debts. The demand for bimetallism was rooted in the desire to make money more accessible to the agrarian population, who believed that the gold standard suppressed economic growth and made it difficult to pay off debts. The emphasis on bimetallism reflected the broader populist agenda of empowering the working class and advocating for economic reform. This platform resonated strongly during a period when agricultural and rural communities were facing significant economic hardships due to falling crop prices and the monopolistic practices of railroads and banks.