In the late 19th century a new breed of politician arose. The fruits of this party produced more than many 3rd parties before it. The Populist Party was composed of farmers and gained more political power as it proved to be a viable third party later evolving into the Democratic Party. Who would have guessed the strength of an organized group of farmers.

The roots of the Populists Party reach back to the Farmer's Alliances of the 1870s and 1880s. As the nation expanded westward the impact of the everyday farmer became more and more evident. After agricultural areas in the West and South were hit by depression due to Southern cotton prices reaching new lows, and the debt of tenant farmers, a sense of urgency to get their voice heard rose among the future members of this party. At a time when more than half of the...