The Impact of Mechanization on Small Farmers and the Rise of the Populist Movement

After the Civil War, big businesses threatened small farmers by consolidating farms and introducing mechanization. In response, farmers formed associations like the Farmers Alliance to fight for better economic conditions. They proposed the Ocala Demands, advocating for cheap credit, sub Treasuries, and free silver to help indebted farmers. These demands led to the formation of the Populist Party, which pushed for policies like railroad regulation and a graduated income tax. Although the Populist Party had limited electoral success, many of its ideas were later adopted by the Democratic Party.

What was one major consequence of mechanized agriculture for small farmers after the Civil War?

• Higher crop prices

• Expansion of small farms

• Increased employment opportunities

• Reduced need for labor

Which organization was formed to help small farmers fight against corporate consolidation?

• The Knights of Labor

• The Granger Movement

• The Industrial Workers of the World

• The American Federation of Labor

What was a key demand of the Ocala platform?

• Nationalization of all industries

• Abolition of the gold standard

• Easier access to cheap credit

• Higher tariffs on imported goods

What was the purpose of the proposed sub-treasuries in the Ocala Demands?

• To lend money at below-market interest rates

• To increase tariffs on foreign goods

• To regulate the stock market

• To manage the national debt

Why did farmers support the policy of free silver?

• It would decrease the money supply

• It would lead to deflation

• It would expand the money supply

• It would increase interest rates

How would inflation benefit farmers who were in debt?

• By increasing the value of their crops

• By allowing them to repay debts with cheaper dollars

• By increasing the demand for agricultural products

• By reducing the interest rates on loans

What federal regulation did farmers propose to reduce transportation costs?

• Regulation of the telegraph industry

• Regulation of the railroad industry

• Regulation of the shipping industry

• Regulation of the automobile industry

What was one of the main goals of the Populist Party?

• To support big national banks

• To reduce government intervention in the economy

• To promote free trade agreements

• To advocate for the Ocala Demands

Which political party eventually adopted many of the Populist Party's issues?

• The Democratic Party

• The Libertarian Party

• The Republican Party

• The Green Party

Despite limited success in elections, what was a significant impact of the Populist Party?

• It caused a decrease in agricultural production

• It led to the immediate abolition of national banks

• It influenced the policies of the Democratic Party

• It resulted in the nationalization of railroads