American Farm Economy Dbq Analysis

Dramatic changes in the American farm economy occurred in the years following the Civil War. These changes came about because of aggressive and progressive farm coalitions. The agrarian interest was instrumental in initiating the dramatic changes in the manner in which State and Federal governments regulated commerce and were the forerunner of many future government agencies that were formed to protect the farmer, the consumer, the laborer and other facets of our economy. Industry prospered as a result of technology, government policies, economic condition and in a general sense the American standard of living improved greatly.

The changes were mostly caused by new technologies that created a greater supply for produce than the demand for it, thus forcing down prices (Document A). This was also due in part to he increase of railroad lines across the country (Document B). Some of these technological changes included moving from hand power to horses, to new innovative plows to steam tractors in 1868, to the building better storage silos and deep water drilling all contributed to the farmers increase yields per acre. Commercial farming and chemical fertilizer all contributed to overproduction and falling prices as well. The effect of these circumstances were that this massive growth in industry benefited the …show more content…
In response to complaints by farmers, mid-western state legislatures enacted a series of laws regulating the prices and practices of railroads, grain elevators, and warehouses. These laws reversed the longstanding trend of decreasing government regulation of the private sector in favor of the agrarian interests. In 1869, the Illinois legislature passed its first granger law regulating Railroads. Farmers also sought to address their grievances at the federal level that resulted in landmark decisions that continue to have a large impact upon current