Farmers In The United States During The Late 19th Century

Farmers everywhere in the United States during the late nineteenth century complained against the economy because the farmers were constantly being taken advantage of by the railroad companies. All farmers faced similar problems and for one thing, farmers were starting to become a minority within the American society. In the late nineteenth century mechanization was in the spotlight creating big businesses. The success of this industrialization put agriculture and farmers on the down low, allowing the corporations to overtake the farmers. This economic unbalance led to the formation of farmer’s organizations to consider common grievances and propose means of relief. Within a few years, there were Granges in almost every state, these groups began as social …show more content…
However, many of the Granges set up cooperative marketing organizations, stores, and even factories. In a number of Midwestern states, they passed laws regulating railroads. Many of the Grange business enterprises failed but the movement it had started, revived in the Farmers Alliances which began in the early nineties. The Alliance movement spread quickly and by 1890 it had nearly two million members. In addition these groups made demands for political reform. Before long the Alliances became a crusading political party. Known as the Populists, they vigorously opposed the old Democratic and Republican parties. The late 19th century was also a turning point in the American industrial movement. However this revolution had a major concern which would be among the working class and their happiness. The working class had increased greatly in the last years of the late 19th century. Technology came about, allowing American night life to flourish, for example the light bulb was able to allow stores to stay open later and not have to rely on sunlight. Which meant availability and opportunity for