Sample Solution

election of senators. It is important to keep in mind that populists were not against modern technologies, they simply felt that there should be more government interference and regulation. They believed these things would strengthen political and economic democracy across the United States.
The populist platform, adopted in 1892 at the Omaha convention, stated all of their goals previously mentioned with the addition of a system of low cost public financing to sell crops, and rights for labor unions. They even endorsed women’s suffrage movements in four western states. “The platform put forth a long list of proposals to restore democracy and economic opportunity”. (Foner 653) In 1892 the Populist Party nominated their first president, James B. Weaver. He carried only five Western states and received only 22 electoral college votes, yet they still persisted. The Populists elected three governors and fifteen congress members.
With the growing discontent in 1893 after the depression began, increased conflict between laborers and capital led to the Populists support increasing, specifically in rural areas. “In 1896, Democrats and Populists joined to support William Jennings Bryan for presidency.” (Foner 657) Bryan received the nomination after he expressed farmers’ grievances and goals. Populists were especially drawn to the idea of free silver to increase the currency in circulation which would bring more revenue in for farmers for increasing agricultural prices. Bryan did not win however, he lost to the Republican nominee William McKinley. Ultimately, the goal of Populists was to create a more unified and democratized America that was more economically equal and regulated.