The "new south" emerged following reconstruction, defined by particular people, groups, and events. thomas watson and the populist party was a group that influenced politics in the new south during this time. to what specific demographic did this political party appeal to in the 1880s and 1890s? a) small business owners who were struggling because of high tax rates b) poor white farmers who were struggling from debt and low cotton prices c) wealthy land owners who were struggling to pay high property tax rates d) former slaves who were struggling to find jobs and become financially stable