The Populist movement occurred in the late 19th century, formed from the Grangers movement where its goal was a movement for the people, to change the economic system where it would benefit farmers. . The barn movement declined rapidly in the 1870s and was replaced by farmers' alliances. Peasant alliances were more political than social. The Peasants' Alliance later formed the Populist Party. The Populist movement is seen as an agrarian revolt by farmers and those interested in agriculture because during the Gilded Age many people moved to rural areas where banks and industrial systems were superior to agriculture. High tariffs, currency decentralization, and falling crop prices were hurting farmers. Founded by James B Weaver and Tom Watson, they wanted the government to have stronger control over banks and industries. Populism limited the minting of silver and adjusted income taxes so that the rich paid more than the poor. They wanted the free currency of silver because it would eventually help farmers pay off their debts. At the same time, they wanted the government to control the railroads, telephone and telegraph systems. They wanted more government control and involvement in the economy and, above all, they wanted to end laissez-faire. They aimed for a secret ballot and a direct election where the president would only stay in office for a single term. Despite winning several congressional seats, the Populist Party has never won a presidential election. Democrats supported many of the populists' goals. Nevertheless, they elected Democrat William Jennings Bryan as president. His goal of unlimited silver minting gained the support of the Populist Party and exposed an injustice... middle of paper ... voting rights and more social welfare programs. Progressivism focused on eliminating practices harmful to farmers, workers, building dwellers, and consumers by expanding government regulation of the economy. They wanted the government to help people have more control over their lives. Without populism, the progressive movement could never have achieved so much. The Progressive Party did not last but its goals, similar to populist goals, would become influential in the future. The progressive movement was overall a more victorious movement. He took populist ideals and influenced them to succeed in the progressive movement rather than the populist movement. If the populists had a broader argument rather than based solely on farmers, they could have been more successful and defined their goals..