Grange Movement

Definition

The Grange Movement, formally known as the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, was a social and political organization founded in the United States in 1867. It aimed to support farmers by providing education, advocating for agricultural reforms, and promoting cooperative purchasing to counteract the economic struggles faced by farmers during the late 19th century. The movement played a crucial role in shaping agricultural innovations and addressing the issues related to rural life and farming practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Grange Movement was founded in response to the challenges faced by farmers, such as low crop prices, high transportation costs, and exploitation by railroads and grain elevator operators.
2. The movement successfully lobbied for legislation that established regulatory commissions to oversee railroad rates and practices, leading to more equitable treatment for farmers.
3. Granges provided educational programs and resources for members, promoting modern farming techniques, cooperative buying, and collective marketing strategies.
4. At its height in the 1870s and 1880s, the Grange had hundreds of thousands of members across the country, significantly influencing rural communities and agricultural policies.
5. The Grange Movement laid the groundwork for later agrarian movements, including the Populist Party, which sought broader reforms in favor of farmers and laborers.

Review Questions

• How did the Grange Movement address the economic challenges faced by farmers in the late 19th century?
  • The Grange Movement directly tackled the economic hardships farmers faced by advocating for better prices for crops and reduced transportation costs. It organized collective purchasing programs that allowed farmers to buy supplies at lower rates and campaigned for state regulations on railroad rates. Through these initiatives, the movement aimed to empower farmers economically and reduce their vulnerability to exploitative practices.
• What were some of the key educational initiatives promoted by the Grange Movement, and how did these initiatives contribute to agricultural innovations?
  • The Grange Movement placed a strong emphasis on education by providing training sessions on modern farming techniques, crop rotation, and soil management. These educational initiatives encouraged farmers to adopt scientific methods and new technologies, leading to increased productivity and sustainable practices. By fostering a culture of learning among its members, the Grange helped facilitate agricultural innovations that improved farming efficiency.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Grange Movement on American agriculture and its influence on subsequent agricultural reform movements.
  • The long-term impact of the Grange Movement on American agriculture was significant as it laid the foundation for future agrarian reform efforts like the Farmers' Alliances and Populist Party. By raising awareness about agricultural issues and advocating for cooperative practices, the Grange influenced policies that addressed farmer grievances. Its legacy is seen in the continued push for fair pricing, regulation of monopolies, and support for rural communities, all of which remain relevant in discussions about agricultural policy today.

Related terms

Farmers' Alliances: A network of organizations that emerged in the late 19th century, which aimed to improve the economic conditions for farmers through collective bargaining and political action.

Populism: A political approach that seeks to represent the interests of ordinary people, often associated with agrarian movements advocating for reforms to benefit farmers.

Cooperatives: Organizations owned and operated by a group of individuals for their mutual benefit, commonly used by farmers to purchase supplies and market their goods more effectively.