Final answer:
The Ocala Demands called for the reinstatement of federal income taxes with a progressive structure targeting the middle and upper classes and higher rates for the wealthiest. Along with tax reforms, they demanded lower tariffs, railroad regulation, the creation of subtreasuries, and political reforms such as the direct election of US senators.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Ocala Demands were a set of economic and political reforms sought by the National Farmers' Alliance and Industrial Union in the late 19th century. Specifically, in terms of taxes, the demands included the recommendation for the reinstatement of federal income taxes, which had not been in force since the Civil War.
The proposal outlined that federal income taxes should be levied with a more progressive structure where the middle and upper classes would contribute, and the wealthiest would pay at higher rates. This was a shift from previous attitudes of small government and limited intervention to an approach that sought freedom through government assistance and regulation.
In addition to tax-related demands, the Ocala Demands also called for lower tariffs, greater regulation of railroads, and the establishment of federal warehouses, known as subtreasuries. These provisions aimed to assist farmers and address the abuses of corporate power and influence on government policies. Furthermore, they advocated for political reforms such as the direct election of U.S. Senators to enhance democratic governance.