I find the Ocala demands to be a bit of a contradiction, primarily demands 6 & 7. In essence demand 6 states that no aliens (immigrants) should be allowed to own US land, yet, demand 7 proclaims equal rights for all, special privileges for none. Seems very illogical when viewed through modern eyes, yet illustrates the isolationist, nationalistic, and even racist mindset of America during the late 1890's. As far as demanding the abolition of a national bank, this demand is key to the newly formed Populists. Thomas Jefferson early in his presidency was opposed to the idea of a national banking system as he thought such an entity would become powerful enough to dictate political policy without the limits of checks and balance system that was part of the Constitution. The Ocala demands regarding a national bank and the potential dangers that could occur echo Jefferson's concerns more than a 100 years after he voiced them. In my opinion, the Ocala demands ultimately is warning that the post-Civil War America that was poised to become an industrial powerhouse needed to remember the core values of both liberty and equality that the founder’s of the US based the ideals of America upon. The Ocala demands were made, at least partially, in response to the growing rift between post-Civil War American social and economic classes. I feel that the authors of the Ocala Demands could sense a new form of aristocracy beginning to get a foothold in the American way of life and were strongly opposed to such growing trend. The aristocracy being the rich (bankers, railroad tycoons, oil barons) exploiting and oppressing the poor (working class and farmers).
