Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Ap Us History: 1865 1898: The Gilded Age: The Populists
Explains the history of the Populist movement, its growth into a political party, and its later dissolution. Includes questions for students at end.
Curated OER
History Matters: The Omaha Platform: Launching the Populist Party
This History Matters website provides the Populist Party platform, as well as a brief write-up introducing this primary resource, which marked the formation of a new -- though short lived -- political party.
OpenStax
Open Stax: Politics in Gilded Age 1870 1900: Farmers' Revolt in the Populist Era
Learn about the development of the farmers' protest movement in the 19th century, and how it evolved into a political movement.
History Tools
History Tools: Sen. William Peffer, the Mission of the Populist Party
Written by Senator William Peffer, a member of the Populist party, this essay clearly states the goals and beliefs of the Populist Party.
Missouri State University
Southwest Missouri State University: Documents on the Populist Party
Provides links to several documents related to the Populist Party, including: National People's Party Platform, The Negro Question in the South, The Tramp Circular, The "Cross of Gold" Speech, What's the Matter with Kansas, Another...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Roots of the Movement
Progressivism got a push from the Populist movement, a reaction to the forgettable presidents and laissez-faire government in the Gilded Age. Find a listing of authors who wrote about progressive ideas, and see what influence populism...
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.
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.
Backstory Radio
Back Story Radio: Teed Off: The Tea Party, Then and Now
BackStory episode about the Tea Party movement and its relationship to the American populist movement of the past. The transcript is provided, no audio.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Populists Advocate Easy Money
This resource outlines the economic policies advocated by the Populists, including a demand for the unlimited coinage of silver.
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]
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.
PBS
Wnet: Thirteen: The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow: Populist Party
Read about how "the Populists challenged white supremacy by forming coalitions between black and white farmers who shared a common cause." Part of a larger website called "Jim Crow Stories", this brief article paints the Populist Party...
Tom Richey
Tom Richey: Agrarian Movements and Populism
While the explosion of industry had its positive marks on the economy, it also took its toll on some aspects of the nation. This slideshow will illustrate the problems and societal changes many farmers, immigrants, labor unions, and the...
Stanford University
Sheg: Document Based History: Reading Like a Historian: The Gilded Age
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students read primary source documents to solve a problem surrounding historical questions. The Gilded Age unit highlights the turbulent changes that characterized the end of the nineteenth century.
Other
Earliest Voices: Gallery From the Vincent Voice Library
This site addresses the advent of the voice recording. The introduction talks about the country at the time of this invention, the feelings of people on the topic, and early recording itself. Included are voice recordings of such...
Henry J. Sage
Sage American History: The Progressive Era: 1896 1920
A comprehensive and detailed look at the changing political, social and economic landscape during the Progressive Era, 1896-1920. Readers will find well-organized links to readings, documents and external sources.
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.
Oklahoma Historical Society
Oklahoma State University: Enclopedia of History and Culture: Thomas Gore
Learn about the personal life and career of Oklahoma senator Thomas Gore. Includes a discussion of his blindness and involvement in the Populist movement.
History Teacher
Historyteacher.net: The Rise of Big Business & the Labor Movement: Quiz (2)
This 10-question multiple choice quiz is immediately scored and tests your knowledge of the labor movement in the late 19th century.
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.
Other
Authentic History Center: The Election of 1896
Detailed description of the issues, politicians, and campaigns that were a part of the 1896 election in the United States. William McKinley defeated William Jennings Bryan and became President. Includes many primary sources.
History Teacher
Historyteacher.net: Populism: Quiz (2)
This 10-question multiple choice quiz is immediately scored and covers the Populist movement.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: William Jennings Bryan
Here is a short biography on William Jennings Bryan, American politician of the Populist Party. Additional information can be found through the articles at the bottom of the page regarding Bryan's causes, his principles, and the Free...