What perceived threat did the Populist movement represent to white Georgians?

The Populist movement was seen as a significant threat to white Georgians primarily because it had the potential to unite poor white and black voters against the political elite. This unification could threaten the existing social and political hierarchy, as it challenged the status quo that often marginalized African American voices and the economic needs of poor white farmers. If these two groups collaborated politically, it could lead to a powerful coalition that might disrupt traditional voting patterns and undermine the control that white politicians held over the state. Consequently, the fear of losing political power and influence made the possibility of a united front particularly alarming for white Georgians during this period.