Who were the Populists, and what did they advocate for?

The Populists were a political movement that emerged in the late 19th century, primarily representing the interests of farmers and laborers who felt marginalized in a rapidly industrializing society. They advocated for a range of reforms aimed at improving the economic conditions of rural Americans and addressing the grievances related to their economic struggles. These included calls for the regulation of railroad rates, the establishment of a graduated income tax, and the introduction of direct election of senators to increase democratic participation. The Populists sought to challenge the political dominance of elites and corporate interests, which they believed were exploiting working-class individuals and farmers. Their platform emphasized the need for a more equitable distribution of wealth and power, which resonated with many disillusioned voters in the agricultural sector and urban working class.