he Peoples Partyor Populism. Another reason for the emergence of the popularity of the Populist movement wasbecause of their reforms and philosophies. All of the Populist ideas and philosophies weregeared towards satisfying farmers since farmers made up the majority of the Populistmovement, and a large part of the American population as a whole. The Populists wantedto abolish the national banks which were dangerous because of their high levels ofconcentrated power. They proposed a system of subtreasuries which would replace theweaker cooperatives that were in place in the Granges and Alliances. They wanted a eighthour day, government ownership of railroads, graduated income tax, unlimited coinage ofsilver, immigration restriction direct election of US senators, end of absentee ownershipof land, and other reforms that would give the people more power in controlling thepolitical process. The populist movement wanted to do away with the laissez-faire attitudewhich the farmers felt was responsible for their current economic situation. They wantedthe government to be involved so that the monopolies could no longer take over theAmerican economy. The Populist movement gave a voice to the people who werent being heard, andgave them a chance to have a say in their community and their own lives. The Populistmovement gave the farmers an out and it gave them a chance to share their views, and toput a candidate in the running that would represent their needs. This was a chance that notmany other groups had ever had. ...
