In the 1890's, the populist party, emerging from the farmers alliances of a few decades before, was a formidable third party against the republicans and the democrats. Their main idea was an opposition to industrialism, believing it was the downfall of American society.
In the preamble to their platform, the populists state that they believe they are in the midst of a nation falling apart due to the corruption and greed of a few. These few are becoming the demise of the entire population, and the republican and democratic parties are doing nothing to stop it, even though they are the only ones who in this condition would be able to. The populist party wants to give the power back to the people, and fix the problems within the economy.
In their platform, the populist party believes that labor unions should be a permanent institution, that wealth belongs to those who create it not those on top, and that the government should take control of managing the railroads. Involving the economy, the populists believe silver and gold should remain valued 16 to 1, that more money should be printed, that there should be a graduated income tax, that the government funds should be limited, and that the government should create safe banks for the people's money. They also believe that land should belong in the hands of the people, not owned by corporations in excess or by aliens.
They also demand a free and fair ballot. They condemn opening the borders to just anyone, the standing mercenary army, and any aid to any private corporation for any reason. They also resolve that they will bow to the will of the people.
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