Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Growth of Populism
Western farmers organized in an attempt to have their issues heard politically. Read about the various farmers' organizations which developed into the idea of populism and the formation of the Populist Party.
Other
Kevin Baker: The Populists
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.
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Major Concerns of the Populists
Outline of the major issues at the heart of the Populist movement, as well as a history of the movement.
Other
Austin Community Coll.: Populism & Political Realignment
Austin Community College provides a scholarly analysis of the characteristics, demands, and obstacles faced by the Populists. Discusses the impact of Populist politics on the 1894-96 elections and on the Republican and Democrat parties.
Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University: American Populism, 1876 1896
Using essays, primary source documents, images, and video this site explores the American Populist political movement in the early 1890s.
Northern Illinois University
Illinois in the Gilded Age: 1896: The Cross of Gold
This is a very informative look at the politics involved in the campaign of 1896 where one of the main issues was the conflict between the gold standard and free silver. Read about the results of the election and the defeat of Populist...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: A Biography of America: The Elections of 1896 1900
Read about all the factions involved in the campaign and election of 1896 and see how the Democratic Party was split, which resulted in the election of Republican William McKinley. The last part of this essay talks about the campaign of...
University of North Carolina
Documenting the American South: Thomas E. Watson: Georgia Populist Politician
This biography of Georgian Thomas Edward Watson includes information about his vice-presdential campaign with his running mate, William Jennings Bryan, and his progressive writings.
University of Nebraska
University of Nebraska Lincoln: Editing Populism: The Omaha Platform of 1892
A section of an article on Populism. It looks at the Omaha Platform of 1892, which was adopted by the Populist Party at its founding convention. George H. Gibson's views on Populism are discussed - he was editor of Wealth Makers, a...
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Texas Joins the Battle: Cartoon, Houston Daily Post, March 30, 1896
Here is a political cartoon showing showing the split between those who favored the gold standard and those favoring the silver standard, and how the Populist Party took advantage of that split. Learn what this means by taking a look at...
University of North Carolina
The Thomas E. Watson Papers: About Watson
A brief biography of Thomas E. Watson, who was the vice-presidential nominee for the Populist Party in 1896.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Black Populism
This article contains interesting facts and a timeline about the history of Black Populism, the cotton farmers of the south, and the Populist Party.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Ap Us History: Period 6: 1865 1898: Politics in the Gilded Age
The study resource from Khan Academy provides an overview of Period 6: 1865-1898 in American History. The politics in the Gilded Age is discussed in this lesson. This resource is designed as a review for the AP US History Test.
Vassar College
Vassar College: 1896: Tom Watson
Tells about Watson's early life and involvement with the Farmers' Alliance in addition to later information about the 1896 Populist Party Presidential campaign.
Oregon Secretary of State
Oregon History: Troubled Times
Although this site concerns itself with Oregon, the issues are nationwide. Article discusses the background of the Populist movement.
Other
Socialist Worker: The Promise and Failure of Populism
Read how the Populist struggle brought together Blacks with poor whites in a challenge against the Southern elite in the 1890s. [April 2012]
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: William Mc Kinley: The Campaign and Election of 1896
Read about the campaign of 1896 in which William McKinley represented the Republican Party and William Jennings Bryan the Democratic Party. One big issue was the contrast between the use of the gold standard as opppsed to free silver.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Agrarian Distress and the Rise of Populism
Article outlines the rise of the Populist Movement in the U.S. as a result of a declining economy, agrarian distress and dissatisfaction with American politics in late 19th Century.
Vassar College
Vassar: 1896: The Presidential Campaign: Cartoons and Commentary
This extensive site from the Vassar College on the 1896 presidential election includes links to cartoons, parties and platforms, leaders, campaign themes, and special features.
Other
Encyclopedia of Arkansas: Knights of Labor
Read about the impact of the Knights of Labor on labor issues in Arkansas. Find out about the strikes they participated in for various work groups, and read about their political activity in a time of third-party elections.
Curated OER
People's Party Convention, Nebraska
The 1892 platform of the Populist Party that critiqued the power of laissez faire economics and argued for significant changes to improve the economic condition of farmers and industrial workers.
History Teacher
Historyteacher.net: Populism: Quiz (2)
This 10-question multiple choice quiz is immediately scored and covers the Populist movement.
Other
Fieldston School United States History Survey: Populism Progressivism Timeline
Important events in the history of the Populist and Progressive movements between 1869 and 1921.
Library of Congress
Loc: Biographical Directory of the u.s. Congress: Weaver, James Baird
This site from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress provides a brief biographical sketch of Weaver, who was the presidential candidate of the Greenback Party in 1880.