LAD #23

At the close of the 1800s the Populist Party became a strong third party in the United States.  They were primarily formed in response to the growth of big business.  In July 1892 the Populist Party made a document listing the goals of the party.  The primary goal of the party was to increase the standard of living for the majority of Americans.  They believed that factory workers deserved to be payed more and that the working conditions were far below what they needed to be.  They also believed that big businesses were intentionally trying to lower the value of silver and raise the price of gold to benefit themselves, and that the party was formed to combat this corruption.  They wanted to circulate silver and make it a form of currency, and also wanted to circulate more money into the economy. The party was in support of worker's rights and labor unions and wanted the government to intervene in the railroad industry.  Finally the party also wanted the government to control telephones, hold an open ballot, give pension to veterans, and prevent/limit foreigners from getting jobs.