9/25-9/29

9/25-9/29

Working on the Railroads- Indians and chinese didn't like it. Why did Government build it- wanted control, wanted to get rid of the Indians, expand west.

29,000 miles worth of track

Homestead act: Gave 160 acres of land to people, Attracted people west, Speculators “stole” much of the land that was set aside for Homestead act.

Life on Great plains was not easy, lonley, bad weather, took hard work, native americans. Very cold. Lots of snow, hard rain. All people had chores. Lack of trees

Insect Plague: Hit in 1870’s, Extinct as of 1902, went extinct because of: killed eggs, changed land

Railroad prices and debt: Railroads charged farmers high prices due to lack of competition. Many farmers mortgaged farms to buy seed. Crop prices fell due to overproduction. After civil war, the amount of money in circulation went down, so money became more valuable. Railroads and farmers did not get along

The Grange: Care and cultivation of animals and crops. Organization in U.S. that encourages families to work together to promote the social, economic, and political well-being of farmers.

Started after the Civil War(1867) and is still around today

Non-profit, non-partisan, fraternal organization that advocates for a rural American Agriculture.

Granger’s passed series of laws. Wanted railroads and grain elevators to charge fair prices.

Interstate Commerce act: allowed U.S. Gov. to supervise railroads, Required railroad rates to be “fair and just”, Set up interstate Commerce Commision to carry out law.

Failed to help farmers at first because of long legal process and resistance.

Populist Movement: Help farmers out of debt

  • Give people a greater voice in the government

  • Increase money supply in circulation

  • Gave people a greater voice in government

  • Started in Omaha

  • Silverites wanna money redeemable in silver and gold

  • Secret ballot

  • 8 hour work day

  • Restrictions on immigration

  • Helped farmers out of debt for food

Gold bugs- mainly wanted money in gold, wanted less money circulation

Silverites- farmers and laborers. Wanted more money in circulation

Direct Election of senators

Secret ballot- to prevent retaliation, from people persuading you

Pushed for 8 hour work day- people got tired, didn't live as long, couldn't see families

LINK: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1drnf7AbYnMeCLfyV9RiOIGlLlnUQbWtNaxx3EfN5Mzs/edit

 

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