The Agricultural Revolution and the Rise of Populism Ms. Weston APUSH 2/1/13

Focus of this lecture Settling and closing the Western frontier Changing life of farmers Farmers attempts to organize and make change (GrangePopulism) The legacies of Populism

The Homestead Act (1862) Gave settlers up to 160 acres of land, opportunity to own it if they lived on it and improved it. New federal policy—giving away land to encourage settlement. Over 500,000 took advantage of this. Problems with act: on Great Plains, land given was not sufficient Also, corruption—corporations took advantage of this act.

Turning the Desert into a Farm Settlers had little hope the land would be fertile. Learned new techniques—”Dry farming”—worked for some time, but ruined land by 1920s. Learned which grains to plant, used barbed wire for fences, and irrigated land using federally supported dams.

Continued Growth of the West New states: Colorado, North and South Dakota, Montana, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah Federal government encouraged settlers to come to Oklahoma by giving away land once occupied by Indians.

The “Closing” of the Frontier Frederick Jackson Turner’s thesis in 1893 Country realized would soon be no more free land. Ended a romantic phase in America’s development No more “safety valve” Conquering of the West had been part of American history since Columbus

The Distinctiveness of the West Center of Native American life Place where Anglo-American and Hispanic culture conflicted Environment plays major role in social and political life Federal government has played most active role in development of West—with landholdings, railroad subsidies and irrigation

The Farm Becomes a Factory With rising prices, focus more on single-cash crops, by other food and necessities elsewhere. Large-scale farmers were specialists and businessmen—needed to buy machinery, be good money managers. Many displaced farmers, went to work in factories

The Problem of Deflation Farmers in a one-crop economy in trouble when prices go down. Very hard to pay off their debts. Farmers stuck in a vicious cycle: Bought machinery to make more products, overproduction made prices go down, then were deeper in debt. Also faced high mortgage rates from Eastern bankers. More farmers were forced to turn to farm tenancy.

Troubles of the Farmers Farms ravaged by grasshoppers and boll weevils. Floods led to erosion Gouged by government—paid unfair local taxes on land and high tariffs on manufactured goods. At the mercy of rates of manufacturers and railroads. Still, difficult to organize—farmers very independent and had few effective leaders.

The Grange Organized in 1867, by Oliver Kelley, at first for social and educational activities for isolated farmers. Over time, became more political—established cooperatively owned stores, grain elevators, and warehouses Got involved in politics—passed someSTATE laws regulating railroad rates and storage fees Faded after Wabash decision—still have an important legacy.

The Farmers’ Alliance Began in Texas, also as a social organization, then began to organize cooperative buying and selling. One million members across South and Great Plains by 1890 Excluded tenant farmers, and all blacks. Important prelude to the Populist party.

The Populists Attacked Wall Street and corporate America. Goals: Nationalize railroads, telephone and telegraph Graduated income tax Federal sub treasury—government would give farmers loans to store crops as a way to increase prices. Free coinage of silver Farmers should raise “less corn and more hell” MOST SUCCESFUL THIRD PARTY IN AMERICAN HISTORY UP TO THAT TIME! Mary E. Lease

Populists and Industrial Workers With growing popularity, Populists saw potential of allying with industrial workers. Coxey’s Army (1894)—with marchers, called for government relief for unemployment. In the end, turned out to be a joke, because march was so small, but still showed potential of workers allying with Populists. Pullman Strike (1894)—Eugene Debs led workers arguing for better pay. Federal troops were called in to break up the strikes People upset that government using injunction, as well as troops to hurt labor unions.

The Silver Issue Rises Again Election of 1896—Republican McKinley—pro-business candidate, fought for gold standard. After hatred for Cleveland rose, Democrats elected William Jennings Bryan Cross of Gold Speech, free coinage of silver Populists endorse Bryan too.

The Free-Silver Election Silver became the single, most passionate issue of the campaign Republicans raised most money thus far in American history--$16 million as opposed to $1 million for Democrats! Ruthless campaign brought McKinley a decisive victory. Landmark election: Victory for big business, big cities, middle class values and financial conservatism. LAST SERIOUS ATTEMPT TO WIN THE WHITE HOUSE WITH AGRARIAN ISSUES. Began Republican rule in White House for next 16 years.