The+Populist+Party

 __The Populist Party__ The Populist Party, also known as the "People's Party", was formed in 1892. As a result of the Panic of 1873, the economy suffered and prices declined. Farmers all across the United States of America were in debt. Farmers Alliances were formed in order to aid distraught farmers. According to an excerpt from an [|Encyclopedia] on the Populist party, "The Farmers' Alliances agitated for railroad regulation, tax reform, and unlimited coinage of silver and attempted to influence the established political parties.

The Omaha Platform]] *  The People's Party vyed for: ** // They fought for the ideal America. //
 * [[The Omaha Platform|
 * Graduated income tax
 * Free coinage of silver
 * Pensions
 * Civil Service Reforms - Exam
 * Election of Senators by the people
 * 8-hour work day
 * Dissolution of national banks

*According to [|US History], a platform is basically the endorsed goals a party backs.  __Reforms included:__ [|The Australian (Secret) Ballot] - A form of voting in which a voters ballot is kept secret; a more private way of voting without interference __Popular Election of US Senators -__ -Senators would be elected through popular vote

In 1892, the Populist party held a fierce campaign and nominated both James B. Weaver and James G. Field for the presidency. They got a surprising amount of votes - polling in more than one million citizens. However, they lost. In the 1896 election, the Populist party nominated Williams Jennings Bryan. The election revolved around the silver issue. The Populists lost and were split in two: the democratic side and the true populist side. That was the fall of the Populist party.

__Sources:__
 * 1) //A Survey of American History// by Alan Brinkley
 * 2) //http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/43932/Australian-ballot//
 * 3) //http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h876.html//
 * 4) //United States History: Preparing for the Advanced Placement Exam//
 * 5) //http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5361//