Which of these was an action of Farmers Alliances? A) Involving farmers in political action B) Encouraging farmers to give up farming C) Helping farmers fight for better prices D) Both A & C
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is D) Both A & C.
The Farmers’ Alliances, which began in the late 19th century, were crucial organizations that aimed to address the economic struggles faced by farmers in the United States. They took several actions to support farmers, especially as they dealt with issues like high debt, low crop prices, and unfair railroad practices.
A) Involving farmers in political action: One of the primary actions of the Farmers’ Alliances was to encourage political engagement among farmers. They realized that their problems could not be solved without influencing policy. The Alliances pushed for reforms such as the regulation of railroad rates and the establishment of cooperative stores and grain elevators. They also supported the free coinage of silver to increase the money supply, which they believed would help with deflation and ease their debts. Farmers were encouraged to vote, organize, and even run for office to represent their interests.
C) Helping farmers fight for better prices: The Alliances worked to improve the economic conditions of farmers by addressing the issue of low crop prices. One strategy was to establish cooperatives where farmers could pool their resources to buy supplies at lower prices and sell their crops more effectively. The Alliances also lobbied for government intervention in pricing and transportation, particularly in regulating railroads that often charged exorbitant rates for shipping crops. Through political lobbying and collective action, the Farmers’ Alliances helped farmers to challenge exploitative practices and fight for fairer prices.
By combining political action and direct support for economic reform, the Farmers’ Alliances sought to improve the financial and social position of farmers. These efforts were part of a broader populist movement that ultimately contributed to the formation of the People’s Party (or Populist Party) in the 1890s. The Alliances’ legacy lies in their success in mobilizing farmers to become active participants in shaping public policy.
