The Populist Party in America in the latter part of the nineteenth century, was a major part of American history. It emerged as one of the major political parties. Although short-lived it accomplish many things. Its main objective was to get a president elected. The Populist Party was, mainly focused on farmers that were becoming second class to industrialization. The Populist Party was in many ways great to American history. .
The Populist Party was founded as a result of farmer displeasure toward industrialization. This was caused by the country's turn from an agricultural type America to one in which industrialists dominated the national development. The corporate tycoons' conduct was legal, however it was ethically wrong. Cornelius Vanderbilt, reportedly once said, "Law! What do I care about the law? Hain't I got the power?" The change from agriculture to industrialization had a emense effect on all of the American people's life. Ignatius Donnelly, a leader in the Populist Party once said, "We meet in the midst of a nation brought to the verge of moral, political, and material ruin. Corruption dominates the ballot-box, the Legislatures, the Congress, and touches even the ermine of the bench . . . A vast conspiracy against mankind has been organized". As a result of this transformation, along with several perspectives of the American people, several reform movements were put into action, such as the banning of alcohol, socialism, and the Greenback Labor Party. Each one of these was put into effect by different groups in hopes of making a difference either for themselves or for the good of the nation. .
There were many concerns about the climate of the time period. There was a large drought on the American prairie, causing this land to become known as the "Dust Bowl." There was terrible snow storms causing many deaths of cattle and other farm animals. Farms were very isolated causing the women and children to lead a life of boredom.