The Populist Party, Essay Example

Would you consider populism and the Populist Party successful?

Populism and the Populist Party were definitely successful because they met goals associated with representing families and farmers in American society. This was done, in large part, by becoming a thorn in the side of politicians on both sides of the partisan divide between Democrats and Republicans.

The Populists came about to help farmers who were isolated and having issues with buying goods because of the high prices. The farmers also had trouble dealing with many businesses and the high cost of purchasing equipment for their farms, etc. Part of the success seen by the Populists was connected to eradicating these issues, which was done in large part by the Farmers’ Alliance. The Farmers Alliance served as a lobbyist group for farmers that pressed for certain political actions in support of farmers. This alliance was also instrumental in gaining provisions for women’s rights and the formation of The People’s Party in the political arena. The People’s Party was successful in electing a presidential candidate in the 1800s that would work for their cause. The cause was to garner more rights and provisions for the common people, against the power of the wealthy and big businesses. In addition, the Populists endorsed labor unions and marched against unemployment.

Much was accomplished by Populism, even in light of the fact that they were sometimes operating under paranoid states. Perhaps this was due to being underrepresented and mistreated. However, their accomplishments are why Populism was successful. Even when Populism began to decline in 1896, its precepts, ideals and purpose was embraced by the Progressive Movement.