The Greenback Labor Party, a significant third-party movement in late 19th-century America, advocated for currency reform and labor rights. It primarily sought to increase the amount of paper money in circulation, believing this would alleviate the economic hardships faced by farmers and workers. The party’s platform extended beyond monetary policy, addressing issues such as the regulation of railroads, an eight-hour workday, and restrictions on Chinese immigration.
This political entity arose in response to the economic depression of the 1870s and the contractionary monetary policies favored by the dominant Republican and Democratic parties. Its influence peaked in the 1878 midterm elections, demonstrating substantial voter support, particularly in the agricultural regions of the Midwest and South. While the party never achieved national electoral success in presidential races, its impact lay in raising awareness of economic inequality and influencing the platforms of major parties, contributing to future reforms related to labor and currency.
