Question

what event marked the beginning of the formal populist party?
a. the cross of gold speech
b. the election of 1896
c. the omaha platform convention
d. the panic of 1893

Explanation:

• Option a: The Cross of Gold Speech was a famous speech by William Jennings Bryan related to bimetallism, not the start of the Populist Party.
• Option b: The Election of 1896 was when the Populist Party merged with the Democratic Party in support of Bryan, not the beginning of the formal Populist Party.
• Option c: The Omaha Platform Convention in 1892 was where the People's (Populist) Party formally organized and presented their platform, marking the beginning of the formal Populist Party.
• Option d: The Panic of 1893 was an economic crisis that affected the Populist movement but was not the event that began the formal party.

Answer:

c. The Omaha Platform Convention