Populism
Definition
A political movement in the late 1800s that championed the interests of farmers and ordinary workers against big business, banks, and political elites. The People's Party (Populists) pushed for reforms like free silver coinage, a graduated income tax, and direct election of senators.
Examples
- The Populist Party nominated William Jennings Bryan for president in 1896
- Farmers in the South and Great Plains organized cooperatives to fight railroad price gouging
- The Omaha Platform of 1892 outlined Populist demands including government ownership of railroads
Key Fact
The Populist (People's) Party was formally founded in 1892 with the Omaha Platform.
Study This Concept
Practice Populism with free review games in these units: