Question

read the statements in the excerpt from an 1892 speech below. based on what it says, identify the group that would have most likely supported it.
\we believe that the time has come when the railroad corporations will either own the people or the people must own the railroads... we demand the free and unlimited coin silver and gold at the present legal ration of sixteen to one... we demand a graduated income tax... transportation being a means of exchange and a public necessity, the gov should own and operate the railroads in the interest of the people.\
options:

• monopolists
• populists
• progressives
• federal government officials

Explanation:

The speech excerpt calls for government ownership of railroads, free silver coinage, and a graduated income tax—key demands of the Populist Party (Populists) in the late 19th century, aiming to address farmers' and workers' grievances against corporate power. Monopolists would oppose government control of railroads, Progressives emerged later with different focuses, and federal officials at the time were less likely to support such radical reforms.

Answer:

B. Populists