I am writing an essay on the following topic:
"Political historians often argue that the election of 1896 was a 'turning-point' election and a 'watershed year' in national politics. Why?"
I am asking if the following outline will work for my essay:
Intro: Talk about the previous political stalemate and stagnation in the Gilded Age politics and how many changes occurred after this election.
Paragraph 1: Talk about the end of the Populist party and the switch from agrarian focus to urban importance. Talk about the new focus on big business, industry, and strong national government.
Paragraph 2: Talk about the new importance of the media and high finance campaigning in America. Use the example of how Marc Hanna financed McKinley's campaign for the 1896 election through the media.
Please let me know if there are any other examples I can use. I've looked everywhere online and I'm out of ideas. Thanks!
Your outline seems like a good starting point for your essay on the significance of the election of 1896. However, I can suggest a few additional examples and points to consider to enhance your analysis:
Paragraph 1:
- Expand on the end of the Populist party and the transition from agrarian focus to urban importance. You can mention how the Populist movement, which arose from farmer discontent, lost its momentum after the election due to its failure to attract significant urban support.
- Discuss the impact of the election on the two major political parties, specifically the Republican Party. Highlight how the election solidified the Republican Party as the dominant party of the period, championing the interests of big business and protectionist policies.
Paragraph 2:
- Address the role of identity politics and issues related to race, gender, and immigration. The election of 1896 marked an era of increased racial and ethnic tensions, with political discourse often reflecting these concerns. You can mention how the Republican Party fused its pro-business agenda with appeals to white racial solidarity against the perceived threat of African American political and economic advances.
- Consider discussing the significance of the William Jennings Bryan's Cross of Gold speech in the election. This speech, delivered at the Democratic National Convention, advocated for the free coinage of silver as a solution to the economic crisis. It galvanized agrarian and struggling industrial workers, highlighting how economic issues became central to political campaigns.
Additionally, it may be helpful to consult scholarly sources, such as books or academic articles, to gather more context and ideas for your essay. These sources can provide you with a deeper understanding of the election and its significance in national politics during that time.
Remember to thoroughly analyze and provide evidence for each point within your paragraphs. This can include quotes from primary sources, statistics, or historical events. By doing so, you can support your arguments and provide a well-rounded examination of the election of 1896.
Good luck with your essay!