The People's Party (Populist Party)

The People's Party, also known as the Populist Party, was a political movement in the late 19th century that sought to represent the interests of farmers and industrial workers who felt neglected by the major parties. They advocated for government reforms such as regulating railroads, implementing a graduated income tax, inflating currency to combat debt, and promoting public ownership of utilities. The party aimed to empower common people against powerful corporations and political elites, emphasizing economic fairness and democratic participation. Although it declined by the early 1900s, its ideas influenced future reforms and the Progressive Era policies.