From Organization To Political Party

ASU HST 200 (Historical Themes) Politics in the Gilded Age 1870-1900 From Organization To Political Party Charles Macune and the Farmers' Alliance decided to form a political party whose candidates, if elected, could really bring about significant change because they were fed up with the federal government's persistent refusal to seriously address the predicament of the typical farmer. In short, it was time to replace those in elected office if the government failed to solve the issue. The coalition established the People's Party, sometimes known as the Populist Party, in 1891. The Populist Party saw some success in non-presidential elections, especially in Kansas, Nebraska, and the Dakotas, where they were able to elect a governor, a number of congressmen, and many state legislators. In an attempt to surprise the nation with a "third-party" triumph, the Populists decided to style themselves after the Republican and Democratic Parties as the 1892 presidential contest drew near. They drafted the Omaha Platform during their national convention in Omaha, Nebraska, that summer in an effort to better convey the objectives of the new party to every American (Figure 20.15). The platform declaration, penned by Ignatius Donnelly, demonized bankers, railroad owners, and large merchants, accusing them all of being involved in a vast plot to subjugate farmers. A more proactive federal government that would support the social and economic welfare of all Americans was the goal of the platform, which called for the adoption of the subtreasury plan, government control over railroads, the dissolution of the national bank system, the establishment of a federal income tax, direct election of U.S. senators, and a number of other measures. Following the convention, the party announced James B. Weaver as its nominee for president. The Republicans chose Benjamin Harrison, while the Democrats once again nominated Grover Cleveland in a rerun of the 1888 election. Cleveland was victorious in the popular vote despite the existence of a thirdparty contender, making history as the first American president to be elected to two nonconsecutive terms. Weaver, the populist contender, received a respectable one million votes despite coming in a distant third. Some Populists were not disappointed, but rather praised their performance, particularly for a third party with only two years of national political experience. They eagerly anticipated the 1896 election, thinking that if the rest of the nation—especially industrial workers—had difficulties akin to those currently encountered by farmers, a strong coalition between the two factions might propel the Populists to victory. Significant social and economic turmoil characterized Gilded Age politics (1870–1900-ish), especially for farmers who felt left out by the federal government. Frustrated with the government's lack of response to the suffering of farmers, Charles Macune and the Farmers' Alliance took matters into their own hands and established a political party. They thought that the only way to actually bring about change was to elect politicians who shared their values. Thus, the People's Party—also referred to as the Populist Party—was founded in 1891. Primarily in nonpresidential elections, the Populist Party gained momentum, particularly in areas with a high agricultural production, such as Kansas, Nebraska, and the Dakotas. In these areas, they were able to elect congressmen, governors, and state lawmakers, demonstrating their increasing power. With the 1892 presidential contest drawing near, the Populists sought to exert a profound influence on the country's landscape. By imitating the Republican and Democratic Parties' existing organizational structures, they skillfully positioned themselves as a competitive "third-party" alternative. The Populists created the Omaha Platform, a thorough statement of their goals and complaints, during their national conference in Omaha, Nebraska. The program, written by Ignatius Donnelly, demonized bankers, railroad tycoons, and big merchants, charging them of plotting to subjugate farmers. A more interventionist federal government dedicated to ensuring the social and economic well-being of all Americans was promoted by the platform. Adoption of the subtreasury plan, railroad control by the government, national bank system dissolution, federal income tax implementation, and direct election of U.S. senators were among the major suggestions. James B. Weaver was the Populist Party's nominee for president after the convention. Weaver ran against Republican President Benjamin Harrison in the next election, while the Democratic nominee was former President Grover Cleveland. Weaver garnered a respectable one million votes, establishing the Populist Party as a powerful force in American politics even though Cleveland prevailed in the popular vote. Although Weaver's third-place result may have disappointed some Populists, many commended the party's performance given its brief two-year presence in national politics. Populists were eagerly awaiting the results of the 1896 election, believing that the financial hardships of industrial workers would foster a wider alliance between laborers and farmers and help the Populist Party win. In general, the Populist Party's rise during the Gilded Age was a grassroots reaction to the difficulties of the time, especially for farmers. Their support of progressive changes and their readiness to take on the powerful political establishment had a long-lasting effect on American politics and helped pave the way for later reform movements.