The Populist Party

The Populist Party was originally established to advocate for farmers in America who had no voice. With the rise of corporations and industry in our country in the latter portion of the 1800s, those who were the very backbone of the country were lost and left behind. Today we face similar issues. Those who have the money and social standing rise and get what they want while the real needs of our country are not tended to. At the height of the party's popularity in the 1890s, the party constructed the Omaha Platform that outlined exactly what they aimed to do for the country. The main issues were the abolition of national banks, employing a graduated income tax, direct election of office holders, civil service reform, labor reform, Government control of the railroads and telegraph/telephone networks, changes to currency, and regulation of prices for agricultural goods.  The party also had a history of supporting equality; they encouraged women to participate and play an active role in government as well as  setting aside racial differences and encouraging a more inclusive and united nation. As the New Populist Party, we aim to use our forerunners ideas and efforts and adapt them to fit our society today.