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People's Party

Definition

The People's Party, also known as the Populist Party, was a political party in the United States that emerged in the late 19th century. It represented rural and agricultural interests, advocating for things like government control of railroads and currency reform.

Analogy

Think of the People's Party as a group of farmers who have formed their own soccer team because they feel that the existing teams (the Democrats and Republicans) aren't playing by rules that are fair to them. They want to change how the game is played so it benefits everyone, not just those in cities or with lots of money.

Related terms

Populism: A political approach that seeks to disrupt traditional power structures and appeal directly to 'the people', often characterized by charismatic leaders and simple solutions to complex problems.

Bimetallism: An economic system where a country's currency is backed by both gold and silver. This was one of the key policies advocated for by the People's Party.

Granger Movement: A campaign for economic reform in the US during the late 19th century among farmers, notably against railroad freight rates; it was influential in forming the People’s Party.