Definition

Noun: - A specific historical political party: Refers to a former political organization in the United States, established in 1891. Its primary platform advocated for monetary policies such as the expansion of the currency (e.g., free silver) and increased government control over railroads and other industries.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The People's Party was a significant force in American politics during the 1890s.
  • Farmers and laborers were key supporters of the People's Party and its platform.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Reference: The term is used almost exclusively in historical contexts to describe this specific late-19th century U.S. political movement, also commonly known as the Populist Party.
  • The ideals of the People's Party influenced later progressive reforms.

Variants and Related Words

• Populist Party (n): The common alternative name for the People's Party.
  • The Populist Party emerged from the agrarian movements of the West and South.
• Populism (n): A political approach that strives to appeal to ordinary people who feel their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups. This broader term is conceptually related but distinct from the specific historical party.
  • The rhetoric of the era was marked by a wave of populism.

Synonyms

• Populist Party: The direct synonym.
• The Populists: A term for the members or the movement associated with the party.

Notes on Meaning

This term refers specifically to a defined historical entity. It is not a generic term for any modern political party with "people's" in its name. Its core meanings are tied to its historical platform and era.

Noun

1. a former political party in the United States; formed in 1891 to advocate currency expansion and state control of railroads