Grange Movement

Definition

The Grange Movement, officially known as the Patrons of Husbandry, was a social and political organization for farmers that emerged in the United States in the late 1860s. It aimed to unite farmers to address the economic challenges they faced, promote agricultural education, and advocate for political reforms to improve their conditions, directly linking to broader agrarian discontent and the rise of populism during this period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Grange Movement was founded in 1867 by Oliver Hudson Kelley as a response to the isolation and economic hardships faced by farmers after the Civil War.
2. The movement provided social activities and education for farmers, including lectures on agricultural practices and organizing community events.
3. The Grange advocated for various reforms, such as the regulation of railroad rates and grain elevator charges, which were seen as exploitative by farmers.
4. State Grange organizations were instrumental in lobbying for legislation that would support farmers' interests, including tax reforms and cooperative ventures.
5. The influence of the Grange waned by the late 1880s but laid important groundwork for future agrarian movements and the eventual rise of the Populist Party.

Review Questions

• How did the Grange Movement seek to address the economic challenges faced by farmers in the late 19th century?
  • The Grange Movement aimed to tackle economic challenges by uniting farmers to collectively advocate for their rights. It focused on addressing issues like high railroad rates and unfair grain elevator charges that hurt farmers' profits. Through education and cooperative efforts, Grangers sought to empower farmers economically and politically, leading to significant reforms at state levels.
• What role did the Grange Movement play in shaping political reforms during its peak influence?
  • The Grange Movement significantly impacted political reforms by advocating for state regulation of railroads and supporting laws that benefited farmers. The movement's lobbying efforts led to several legislative changes that aimed to ensure fair pricing and access to markets. Additionally, many members of the Grange later transitioned into other political organizations, notably contributing to the formation of the Populist Party.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Grange Movement on American agriculture and subsequent political movements.
  • The long-term effects of the Grange Movement on American agriculture included fostering a sense of community among farmers and paving the way for cooperative farming practices. Its advocacy laid critical groundwork for later agrarian movements, particularly the Populist Party, which expanded on its goals. The movement's focus on collective action and political advocacy influenced future generations of farmers' organizations, shaping policies that addressed rural economic concerns well into the 20th century.

Related terms

Populism: A political approach that seeks to represent the interests of ordinary people, often in opposition to the elite, particularly prominent in the late 19th century among agrarian movements.

Cooperatives: Organizations owned and operated by a group of individuals for their mutual benefit, often used by farmers to pool resources for better pricing and services.

Interstate Commerce Act:

A landmark legislation passed in 1887 aimed at regulating railroad rates and practices, reflecting the Grange's demands for fair treatment of farmers by transportation companies.