How did the Populist Party react to race issues? How did southern white people respond to Populism and its racial messages?

Question

Please provide the best answer for the statement.

Answer 1

The ideal answer should:
1. Point out that the Populists urged southern white men to abandon the Democrats and southern black men to reject the Republicans and unite politically to support the Populists.
2. Explain that the foremost proponent of black and white political unity was Thomas Watson of Georgia. He and other Populist leaders believed economic and political cooperation could transcend racial differences.
3. Note that during the 1892 presidential campaign, Watson explained that both black farmers and white farmers faced the same economic exploitation but that they failed to cooperate with each other because of race.
4. Explain that Watson was not calling for improved race relations. Although he opposed economic exploitation that was disguised by race, he was also a staunch supporter of segregation.
5. Conclude that the Populists lost the national election that year and again in 1896, although they did win several congressional and governor’s races. Southern Democrats, outraged at the Populist appeal for black votes, often resorted to fraud and terror to prevail.