The Populist Party Platform was formed to counter big business and monopoly during America's Industrial Revolution. The Populist Party proclaimed that its purpose was to protect the rights of the common man - the party made its own "Declaration of Independence" which condemns the US government for the atrocities that existed in American borders: the slums that spotted cities, the working class' reliance on big business, and the robber barons' exploits upon the American people. The Populist Party's agenda was also for the production of silver as currency and pay restrictions to economically control the wealthy. In addition, they fought for men outside of the working class, arguing that the government must protect agricultural productivity becaus it would further protect Americans and it would create an economic boom that would counter the issues with currency that existed during the time. In short, the party sought to bring power back to the people and restore true democracy for all Americans. The Populist Party also declares in their Declaration that unions are a necessity over the working class and that the government should have ownership and power over the railroads, telephone, and telegraph. Lastly, the Populist Party stands firmly against monopolizing land to support business, and instead it should belong to both "its creator and its laborers". The Populist Party fought for an open ballot, pensions for solidiers, and sympathy towards laborers (reasonable workday, better pay, better working conditions).
No comments:
Post a Comment