History

            A) How legitimate were the farmers" charges, that they were exploited and oppressed? Were they the victims of capitalists and bankers, or of uncontrollable economic conditions?.
             During the late 1870's and early 1880's, Western farmers enjoyed the fruits of agricultural boom, just as the eastern industry had from time to time. But from the mid 1880's on the agricultural industry saw a steady decline. To say that it was Mother Nature's fault is not necessarily true. Even though much hardship did come from harsh climate, poor economic conditions and eroded land, many agents in the East were also to be blamed. These farmers had all the right to stand up and speak out against the unfair conditions they were faced with.
             Soon after the Homestead Act was passed, in 1862, numerous immigrants and opportunity seeks packed what they had and headed out to the frontier on rail. Before this act public land was sold primarily for revenue, but now it was given to encourage the rapid filling of newly formed agrarian societies. Around 500,000 families took advantage of the offer in forty years. As soon as families arrived to their plot, they knew they had been tricked. The 160 acres they received was rain- scarce, and unmanageable. And when it did rain, it rained a lot, and was ruinous to the crops. On top of that there was no topsoil, and the land was hard. Two out of every three people had to give up their land and go back East. That was the first problem they were faced with. There were many more to come.
             New farmers had no trouble attaining, extensive, and easy credit. The farmers believed that their debts they owed to the bank would soon be retired. To their disbelief in the late 1880's crop prices dwindled, while production prices increased. They were overwhelmed. Thousands of farmers had to abandon their farms. This was mostly due to the high interest rates given by the banks, loan companies, and insurance corporations.