The Effect Of Reconstruction On The Agricultural Economy Of America

The period of post Reconstruction through the beginning of the 20th century was a turning point for the agricultural economy of America. Farmers made up the backbone of the American economy at this time, therefore their success was crucial. This industry was the direct recipient of the technological advancements made throughout the Industrial Revolution that aided in massive and efficient production. However, the government’s focus was aimed elsewhere as the industrialized society of the North soon became the “backbone” of America. The government's ongoing promotion and push toward westward expansion, and land redistribution began to play out as well. In addition, the ongoing debate of nation's currency led to a decrease in currency circulation,
However, once the government took action to promote expansion, those occupants in the Southern and western territories soon found their land being redistributed. After the Civil War, reconstruction was the government’s top priority. Agencies such as the Freedmen's Bureau & Committee of Reconstruction, aided newly emancipated citizens, by provided dozens of acres of land for them to begin a life on. The encouragement of land distribution continued through the passing of the Homestead and Timber Culture Acts. The objective of these acts was to provide the settlers with land to buy at a small price. This upset many farmers, as their land was forcefully taken into ownership of the government. R.W McAdam in the Oklahoma Magazine, described the process to be, “folly and injustice”(Document J). The government's ongoing attempts at expansions and assimilation of those living in western parts of America was fulfilled, at the expense of not only the farmers living in that area, but the natives as
The government inability to establish a standard currency system, trickled down into the agricultural industry, whose income was inconsistent to begin with. The farmer’s favored the free and unlimited system of silver coinage. The government, however was opposed, creating the Gold Standard, which made the currency of the nation gold. This disagreement caused feuding, that would later remain as gold currency resulted in a decrease in money circulation for farmers. Inequitable freight rates in relation the transportation, followed this standard, and goods became very expensive. The ingenious idea of the railroad, quickly became a burden to farmers as they were unable to ship goods throughout the nation, therefore limiting their clientele. and local market (Document C). Also, due to technological advancements that increased production throughout the nation, prices of goods began to fall dramatically. Document A exhibits the agricultural prices in both wheat, cotton, and corn. As the production of these goods increases, the prices unfortunately did not. The government's promotion of production left farmers in a state of discontent as many lost their source of income, due to the abundance of farming elsewhere (Document G). The birth of the Populist party was in direct response to these unlawful, economical impulses, imposed on the farmers. This political