African Americans have been oppressed since their first encounter with the white man. For hundreds of years, African Americans served as slaves for American plantation owners. Finally, after the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation they were finally free. However this freedom did not guarantee them easy assimilation into American society. Several Civil Rights laws were passed, including that of 1875 which stated, "That all persons within the jurisdiction of the United States shall be entitled …showed first 75 words of 540 total…

…showed last 75 words of 540 total…a third party candidate. In 1896, the populists felt very confident since they backed the silver standard, which neither the Democrats nor Republicans did. They felt this would split the votes for gold standard voters and guarantee their victory. However, the Democrats went against their ideals and nominated William Bryan, a silver advocate. The populists then pledged their support for him. The party soon dissolved and many became Democrats; however, some loyalists made little notable advancement.