New South - Tom Watson and Populist Party

It was a time for social, economic and political reforms to ease the suffering of all citizens caused by the Civil War

It was a time for a New South Progressive Era when farms had to be replaced by business and industry in order for the South to prosper

It was a time for the blending of the old, keeping Southern traditions like white supremacy, while building new traditions around industries to rival the North

It was a time for Southerners, both African American and white, to come together and work in harmony to rebuild the state's economic, social and political systems

It showcased Georgia's successful industries and encouraged investors from other areas of the country to set up industries in Georgia

It showcased Georgia's improved race relations because of Booker T Washington's "Atlanta Compromise" speech

It showcased Georgia's successful cotton farmers and encouraged workers to come to Georgia to work the plantations

It showcased Georgia's capital city, Atlanta, and proved to the other states that Georgia was strong again

established free mail delivery to farmers and rural families

raised taxes on wealthy industrialists

placed railroad companies under government control

set low tariff rates for Georgia farmers

Rural Free Delivery

Railroad Freight Delivery

Relief Farmers Department

Renting, Farming, & Developing

farmers and rural people

rich bankers & businessmen

wealthy industrialists

powerful railroad tycoons

Watson opposed the New South concept of basing Georgia's economy on business & industry.

As a supporter of an agriculture-based economy, Watson believed Grady's New South concept would harm Georgia's farmers.

Watson believed that the best thing for Georgia's farmers and rural families was to keep the state's economy centered on agriculture.

Watson and the Populist Party opposed the Bourbon Triumvirate and Henry Grady over religious reasons, like the separation of church and state.