The document discusses the Populist movement that emerged in the late 19th century United States. Farmers formed groups like the Grange and Farmers' Alliances in response to falling agricultural prices and rising debts. The Populist movement advocated for policies that would aid farmers and give ordinary citizens more political power, such as the silver standard, graduated income tax, and elected senators. In 1892, the Populists formed a political platform that was later adopted by the Democrats. William Jennings Bryan campaigned for the Democrats in 1896 on a populist platform, but lost the election to William McKinley and the Republicans. While the Populist party collapsed, some of their ideas were later enacted.