The Populists: The People’s Party FAQ Chicago Daily News negatives collection, DN Courtesy of the Chicago Historical Society.

What is a Populist? the common people—especially farmers or anyone that advocates for the masses and opposes control by elites Nebraska State Historical Society, [Digital ID, e.g., nbhips 12036]

Where were the Populists? Mostly in the South and West, the agricultural and rural centers of the nation Fred Hultstrand History in Pictures Collection, NDIRS-NDSU, Fargo; and F.A. Pazandak Photograph Collection, NDIRS-NDSU, Fargo.

When were the Populists? Last quarter of the 19 th Century; they began forming around social clubs like the Grange, labor-type organizations, like the Farmers Alliance, and political organizations, like the Greenbacks

How did the Populists become a political party? The party formally organized in St. Louis in 1892 to represent the interests of the common folks and defend them against the railroads, bankers, processors, corporations, and the politicians in league with big business. Mark Hanna, McKinley’s campaign manager, the industrialist’s friend.

What did Populists believe? According to their founding statement, the Omaha Platform: 1.public/government ownership of the railroads, post offices, telephone, and telegraph systems 2.the free coinage of silver 3.a graduated income tax 4.An 8 hour work day (as opposed to the 15 or 16 most people worked) 5.government banks, not commercial banks 6.excess land held by railroads and foreign speculators should be taken by the government and reserved for settlers. And…

They also believed… There should be more democracy, so they advocated –Direct election of senators –Referendum and Initiative –Recall elections –Secret ballots Fred Hultstrand History in Pictures Collection, NDIRS-NDSU, Fargo; and F.A. Pazandak Photograph Collection, NDIRS-NDSU, Fargo.

The Who’s Who of Populism William Jennings Bryan, perennial presidential candidate famous for his Cross of Gold Speech

The Who’s Who of Populism James Weaver 1892 Presidential candidate

The Who’s Who of Populism This was one of the first parties to actively include women (like Mary Lease) and African-Americans (implored by southern politician Tom Watson to join the movement) ongress/congress.html

Wilmington Race Riot of 1898 Unfortunately, the successes of blacks to win office and thrive in the Populist Movement in NC led white supremacist factions to retake power by fraud and force in Wilmington and across the state. When the riot was over, an unknown number of blacks had been killed (perhaps several hundred) and hundreds had been driven from town, their property seized or destroyed by white rioters.

Wilmington Race Riot

1898 Wilmington Race Riot This event marked a turning point for blacks in the South. African-American political power was diminished by restrictions on voting and office holding, and their economic power shrank as well.

What happened to the Populists? Anyone who portrays him or herself to be a champion of the common man is considered a populist. However the power of the Populist Party diminished and gradually faded after the 1896 election.

What about the Populists’ agenda? Many of the Populists’ ideals and goals were achieved, if not by them, by others, such as the Progressives.

So, what is the Populist legacy? The secret ballot Initiative, referendum, recall elections 16 th Amendment-graduated income tax 17 th Amendment-direct election of senators Government regulation, if not ownership of big businesses, like rail, communications, and banks The US left the gold standard