The Populist Party started as a party dedicated to securing more rights for agricultural workers (farmers). Of particular concern was the issue of what they perceived as unfair shipping rates imposed on farmers by the railroad industry and supported by politicians. Their base eventually widened to include workers who considered themselves disaffected by the political climate.
Agricultural workers (farmers). Political concern was seen as having unfair shipping rates that were imposed on farmers by the railroad industry which was supported by the politicians.
