The Populist Movement emerged in the late 19th century in the United States, primarily representing the interests of farmers and laborers. It sought to address economic hardships caused by industrialization and the dominance of big businesses. The movement was characterized by demands for monetary reform, including the free coinage of silver, and the regulation of railroads and telegraph companies. The movement gained political traction with the formation of the People's Party in 1892, which aimed to unite various disenfranchised groups. Key figures included William Jennings Bryan, who advocated for the rights of the common people. Although the movement declined by the early 1900s, its ideas influenced later political movements and reforms.