Farmers" discontent and the validity of their statements .
Between 1880 and 1900, the common American farmer faced several severe problems as the government and the nation moved forward on the industrial trend heading into the next century. Correspondingly, these tribulations led to the farmers harboring numerous grievances against the government and industry. The farmers believed that the railroad companies were conspiring to put them out of business. Also they were angry with the government for not inflating currency and adopting the free coinage of silver in order to pay off their debts more easily. Furthermore, the farmers had bad luck with Mother Nature during these years. Some of these complaints were valid yet it seems more of them were based on emotions. .
The rise of the railroad industry proved to be faulty for farmers. The conspiracy spread that the railroad industry was "out to get" the farmers and put them out of business creating more room for capital gain on their part. That is not entirely true because business is business, whether it is the farming business or the industry, people wanted to make money and that's how some saw it. But a company does not have to be manipulative in order to improve their standard which is what eventually happened. Certain rates were promised and then raised at the end of the season leading farmers to beg for a better rate and in return, usually not getting it. (Doc H) Also freight rates were four times higher in the west then the east and farmers could not do anything about it. Railroads knew that they were a monopoly as well and weren't worried about finding customers. (Doc H) Within a few years, it was pointless for the farmer to work because the rates and demands of the railroad industry were so high; they paid the easterners as much as they made from them. (Doc D).
Another thought provokes many minds was about the money situation.