Question

In a 5-6 sentence paragraph, trace the economic and political impact of farmers' movements in the late 1800s. Make your answer simple, coherent, and intended for 9th grade.

Answer 1

In the late 1800s many farmers faced low crop prices, heavy debt, and high fees from railroads, so they formed groups like the Grange and the Farmers’ Alliances to help one another. They created cooperatives to buy supplies more cheaply and pushed states to pass "Granger Laws" that regulated railroad and storage rates. Politically, farmers helped form the Populist (People’s) Party, demanding things like bimetallism (free silver to increase the money supply), government control of railroads, and easier credit. Their pressure helped produce national laws such as the Interstate Commerce Act and forced the major parties to pay more attention to rural problems. Economically, cooperatives and regulations gave some short-term relief but many farmers still struggled because crop prices stayed low. Still, the farmers’ movements showed how organized citizens could win reforms and helped set the stage for later Progressive Era changes.