Final answer:
The Populist movement significantly altered American politics by introducing and popularizing progressive policies that were later adopted by major parties, influencing long-term legislation like the Seventeenth Amendment and shaping the role of government in social and economic issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Populist movement of the 1890s played a significant role in American politics by pushing progressive ideals into the mainstream and laying the foundation for future reforms. The Populists, originating from the grievances of struggling farmers and workers, advocated for policies such as a graduated income tax, the direct election of U.S. senators, and an eight-hour workday. These ideas gained traction and were later implemented, influencing both the Republican and Democratic parties during the Progressive Era, even though the Populist Party itself dissolved by 1900.
Key successes of the Populist movement included electoral victories in the 1892 and 1894 elections and the eventual passage of the Seventeenth Amendment for the direct election of senators. Their platforms also addressed issues of economic equality and labor rights, which continued to resonate even as the party faded. Despite losing influence due to economic improvements and shifting political alliances, the legacy of the Populists persisted, influencing social and economic policies in subsequent years.