The Populist or People’s Party was a movement that sprang from the interests of rural farmers across America. The Party called upon the federal government to buffer economic depressions, regulate banks and corporations, and help farmers who were suffering hard times.
The Populist Party was unique for combining White and Black farmers in their common causes. They were moderately successful directly, although ultimately many of their objectives were championed by other politicians and political movements successfully.
The Populist Party failed and folded early because of widespread opposition from White Democrats in the South. The Democrats fought anything that was a challenge to Jim Crow laws and ideals, and the Populist Party’s partnership of Blacks and Whites working together was unwelcome.
Thank you,
Eddie
