Explain How and Why the Populist Party Was Created

The Populist Party was a way for Americans to resolve issues without going Democrat or Republican. The Party was founded mostly by farmers, and laborers already in organizations, who wanted to see reform in railroad regulation and tax reform. The goal of the populists in 1892 was to replace the second party (democrats) by forming an alliance of eastern and western farmers.

The Populist Party was formed because farmers and laborers called for the abolition of national banks, a graduated income tax, direct election of Senators, civil service reform, a working day of eight hours and Government control of all railroads, telegraphs, and telephones. Many people in the nation were upset with the fact that senators were elected unfairly, and they wanted a direct election so that chances of reforms happening were possible. Farmers wanted to regulate railroads because they needed fair prices on their crops. The party was founded when The Farmers Alliance promoted collective economic action by farmers and achieved widespread popularity in the South and Great Plains. The Farmers Alliance joined with the National Grange. Low cost insurance was offered through the Alliance,