Question
Which factor most likely caused a decline in Grange membership?
wheat prices declined
wheat prices declined
variances in freight costs
variances in freight costs
spikes in railroad prices spikes in railroad prices
spikes in railroad prices spikes in railroad prices
farms faced severe drought
wheat prices declined
wheat prices declined
variances in freight costs
variances in freight costs
spikes in railroad prices spikes in railroad prices
spikes in railroad prices spikes in railroad prices
farms faced severe drought
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The decline in Grange membership was most likely caused by the combination of various economic pressures faced by farmers, but among the options given, **wheat prices declined** is a significant factor.
When wheat prices dropped, farmers’ incomes would have been significantly affected, leading to financial stress. This, in turn, could result in decreased interest in joining or remaining part of organizations like the Grange, which were focused on issues related to farming and cooperative buying and selling.
While variances in freight costs, spikes in railroad prices, and severe drought could also impact farmers and potentially influence Grange membership, the direct impact of declining wheat prices would have had an immediate effect on farmer's economic viability and their willingness to participate in such organizations.
When wheat prices dropped, farmers’ incomes would have been significantly affected, leading to financial stress. This, in turn, could result in decreased interest in joining or remaining part of organizations like the Grange, which were focused on issues related to farming and cooperative buying and selling.
While variances in freight costs, spikes in railroad prices, and severe drought could also impact farmers and potentially influence Grange membership, the direct impact of declining wheat prices would have had an immediate effect on farmer's economic viability and their willingness to participate in such organizations.