key term - Farmers’ Alliance

Definition

The Farmers’ Alliance was a collective organization formed in the late 19th century aimed at advocating for the interests of farmers across the United States. It emerged during a time when farmers were facing significant economic hardships, particularly due to declining crop prices and burdensome debt, leading to increased calls for political and social reform. This movement sought to address these challenges through cooperative buying and selling strategies, as well as lobbying for reforms such as railroad regulation and currency expansion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Farmers’ Alliance originated in Texas during the 1870s and quickly spread throughout the Midwest and South, representing hundreds of thousands of farmers.
2. One of the key achievements of the Farmers’ Alliance was the establishment of cooperative stores and credit unions to help farmers access goods and services at fair prices.
3. The Farmers’ Alliance played a significant role in shaping the Populist Party, which emerged in the 1890s as a political vehicle for advancing farmers' issues.
4. Members of the Farmers’ Alliance advocated for various reforms, including government ownership of railroads and telegraphs to combat monopolistic practices.
5. The movement faced opposition from established political parties and interests, which led to its eventual decline by the end of the 19th century as many of its goals were absorbed into other reform movements.

Review Questions

• How did the Farmers’ Alliance aim to address the economic challenges faced by farmers during its emergence?
  • The Farmers’ Alliance sought to alleviate the economic struggles of farmers through cooperative efforts that included buying goods in bulk to reduce costs and selling crops collectively for better prices. They recognized that individual farmers were often powerless against monopolistic railroads and grain elevator companies, which led them to push for greater regulation of these entities. The Alliance also advocated for broader monetary reforms to increase money supply, addressing issues related to debt and deflation that plagued many farmers.
• In what ways did the Farmers’ Alliance contribute to the development of Populism as a political movement?
  • The Farmers’ Alliance was instrumental in laying the groundwork for Populism by uniting farmers around shared grievances against economic injustices. As they organized protests and lobbied for reforms, they catalyzed a larger movement that culminated in the formation of the Populist Party. This party sought not only to address agricultural issues but also to represent the interests of laborers and other disenfranchised groups, expanding the focus from just farmers to a broader base of common people seeking political change.
• Evaluate the lasting impacts of the Farmers’ Alliance on American politics and society beyond its decline by the late 19th century.
  • The legacy of the Farmers’ Alliance can be seen in its influence on subsequent social movements and political parties. Its emphasis on grassroots organizing and collective action set a precedent for later movements advocating for workers' rights, civil rights, and environmental justice. The ideas championed by the Alliance, such as government regulation of industry and support for monetary reform, continued to resonate in American politics, informing policies during periods like the New Deal. Overall, while the Farmers’ Alliance itself waned, its core principles contributed significantly to shaping modern American populism and reform efforts.

Related terms

Populism:

A political movement that arose in the late 19th century, advocating for the rights and power of the common people, particularly farmers, against the elite and established interests.

Grange Movement:

An early organization of farmers that aimed to promote agricultural education and advocate for farmers' rights, serving as a precursor to the Farmers’ Alliance.

Sub-Treasury Plan: A proposal put forth by the Farmers’ Alliance that called for the government to establish warehouses for farmers to store their crops and provide them with low-interest loans based on the stored goods.