Learn about the development of the farmers' protest movement in the 19th century, and how it evolved into a political movement.

Biography of Tom Watson, a Georgia reformer and congressman, who advocated the ideas of the Farmers' Alliance and eventually became a Populist Party leader. Includes picture.

This site from the Austin Community College is an excellent site with detailed description of the farmers plight during the Gilded Age including tariff policies and monetary policies.

A description of the establishment of the Grange, or Patrons of Husbandry, in the mid-1800s and how the movement helped farmers.

Tells about Watson's early life and involvement with the Farmers' Alliance in addition to later information about the 1896 Populist Party Presidential campaign.

Explains the history of the Populist movement, its growth into a political party, and its later dissolution. Includes questions for students at end.

Reference source for information on the history of the labor organization, the Knights of Labor, nationally and in Georgia, in particular, in the late 1800s and the role it played in organizing southern laborers. Hyperlinks to additional...

The Populist Party was one of the more successful third parties, at least in state politics. Read about its platform on the national and state levels in the 1890s.

Essay on the history of the Populist party including reasons for its formation, notable people within the party, its political agenda, and its struggle to achieve country-wide support.