Populist Party

2 Pages 573 Words

The ride of the Populist Party attained its greatest strength during the 1800’s resulting from the support of the farmers and delegates from labor and reform groups. They tended to support an increase in money supply, by printing more paper or by coining silver, better government regulation of business, and other alterations they hoped would help farmers and laborer. In 1891, farmers and delegates from labor and reform groups met to discuss these issues. Here they formed the People’s Party, most famously known as the Populist Party.
The Populist Party was known for its high-spirited leaders, who stimulated the public with inspiring speeches. The Populist movement also made a remarkable attempt to create new and independent culture for the countries farmers (Blum 286). The party soon began to take off, gaining recognition throughout the states by the 1890’s. In the 1892 election, the party nominated James B. Weaver of Iowa who stood on the platform of free silver. With silver restored to its significant status, Populists argues, that the nation would have more money for circulation. This steady rise in the value of the dollar would end, and farmers would finally receive the high prices they needed. Weaver was also an advocate of government ownership of railroads, and telegraphs and telephone lines, along with other political reforms. Even though they fought hard, they did not win the election. However, their lose if the election did not diminish the party’s hopes.
By the next election year in 1896, the populists were faced with a real problem when the Democrats nominated William Jennings Bryan of Nebraska to run. Bryan was a democrat, however was very supported by the Populist Party. The Populists knew, that they could not run against Bryan, and thus would have to support Bryan. Even so, the Southern wing of the Party was extremely opposed to Bryan and his ideals. At a final attempt for unison though, the Southern wing folded...