Introduction
The farmers’ movement during their apex was a critical moment in American history. During this time, farmers faced numerous economic and political challenges, resulting in a widespread movement advocating for change. Understanding the political goals of farmers during this time is vital to comprehend the shift in American politics, policymaking, and overall socioeconomic landscape.
Therefore, this article aims to explore the diverse objectives of farmers during their apex and how they impacted policy and political discourse.
Peeling Back the Layers
The farmers’ movement was multi-faceted, with various political goals that were closely interconnected. It is essential to understand each goal and the impact they had to perceive the overall significance of the movement.
Some of the political goals of the farmers were to seek financial relief, demand equitable policies, secure farmland ownership, and challenge corporate monopolies.
For example, farmers demanded financial relief to alleviate debt, low prices of goods and farm products, and unfairly high tariffs on farm equipment and imports. They also sought equitable policies to protect against corporate monopolies and remedies for the overproduction of farm goods.
5 Key Political Goals
The political goals of farmers during their apex generally fall into five overarching categories.
- Economic justice: The farmers’ movement sought to achieve economic justice by opposing monopolies, trusts, and middlemen companies that manipulated markets and prices to farmers’ disadvantage. Farmers wanted to reduce middlemen control of commerce and fair prices for their crops and livestock.
For example, in 1912, the Capper-Volstead Act gave farmers the right to form cooperatives to bargain for fair prices for their products. - Government reform: The farmers’ movement wanted government reform to shift the policy-making power from bankers, corporate interests, and politicians to the people.
For instance, the Establishment of the Federal Reserve System in 1913 was a victory for farmers as it established a new government agency that would regulate the nation’s money supply, making it more stable and predictable. - Expanding democracy: Farmers sought to expand democracy to allow for direct initiatives and referendums, primary elections, and recall elections to empower all Americans to more democratically participate in government.
The passage of the 17th Amendment in 1913 allowed for the direct election of U.S. Senators by popular vote rather than by state legislature appointment. - Farmland ownership: Farmers aimed to achieve farmland ownership by opposing monopolies that controlled farmland, eviction from homestead land, and the rising cost of farmland.
The Homestead Act of 1862 allowed farmers to acquire land freely through the government-issued grants after farming it for five years. - Social justice: Finally, the farmers’ movement sought social justice by advocating for better living and working conditions for rural people and their families.
The findings in the Farmers’ Bulletin on social and economic conditions in rural communities and agricultural industries during the late 1800s and early 1900s shed light on the struggles of rural people and the need for socially just policies.
Why It Still Matters Today
Understanding farmers’ political goals during their apex is crucial in current political and economic issues faced by farmers. Farmers’ challenges are still prevalent today, such as unstable agricultural prices, corporate monopolies, and government policies and regulations.
By looking at past policies and solutions, policymakers can draw insight into how to address these issues effectively. Past experiences of the farmers’ movement can guide current policy and support systemic changes required for the agricultural industry’s sustainable growth.
The Role of Farmers in American Politics
Farmers played a significant role in influencing the U.S. political landscape during their apex. Their collective action amplified their voices and allowed them to have a seat at the policymaking table.
As a result, farmers’ movements prompted changes in policy, such as new farm credit policies, the establishment of regulatory agencies, and even new federal laws.
Farmers continue to shape political discourse today, as they remain essential in shaping policies that affect their industry and local communities’ socioeconomic status.
Uncovering the Strategies
Through collective action, strategies like boycotts, lobbying, strikes, and lawsuits enabled farmers to achieve their goals.
Their collective bargaining and establishment of cooperatives allowed them to negotiate for better commodity prices and demand legislative action.
The use of media and public outrage helped amplify their messages to politicians and policymakers who might have otherwise ignored their struggles.
The Ups and Downs
The farmers’ movement’s impact was both positive and negative. One of the most successful outcomes of the farmers’ movement was the passing of the Homestead Act. This event allowed farmers to own farmland and set the precedent for government intervention in the agricultural industry.
However, some solutions for farmers had adverse and unintended impacts, like the Agricultural Adjustment Acts that led to crop burning and shared the burden of overproduction on sharecroppers, tenants, and laborers.
Conclusion
Farmers during their apex were fighting for their economic, political, and social rights, seeking solutions to maintain their livelihoods. Their activism and collective action enabled policymakers to develop a regulatory framework to prevent monopolies, reduce exploitation of farmers, and give farmers more control over their lives and crops.
As consumers and citizens, we can support farmers by advocating for their rights and supporting policies favoring small-scale and sustainable farming practices. This way, we can ensure that farmers are not left to navigate the uncertainties of the free market economy alone.