Question

How did industrial workers and farmers react to new economic conditions from 1870 to 1900? Discuss how their reactions were similar and how they were different.

Answer 1

Explanation:

In the years between 1870 and 1897 many farmers lost their farms, while others struggled to make ends meet. In that period, the prices of crops dropped steadily. Wheat fell from $106 per bushel to $63 per bushel; corn fell from $43 per bushel to $29 per bushel; and cotton fell from fifteen cents a pound to five cents a pound. At the same time the costs of operating a farm remained constant or increased. These costs included shipping rates, interest on loans, and the cost of machinery and other needed commodities. The main reason prices of crops continued to drop was that there was an oversupply of grains on the market, with too many farmers producing too much of the same crops.

Most farmers were not aware of how large the oversupply was. They blamed the railroad companies, the bankers, and the grain elevator operators for the high costs of farming and getting their product to market. Farmers especially despised the railroads, which charged far higher rates in the West than in the East. Railroad executives explained that it was more expensive to run their trains in the West, but the farmers saw the railroad owners getting very rich while they were barely making a living.

Answer 2

Answer:

Explanation:

In the years between 1870 and 1897, the economy’s GDP rose rapidly while wholesale prices began to decline. Those who owned farms lost immense value for crops. Industrial workers began to find more employment with the building of railroads and infrastructure. As a result of this, the real income for the average industrial worker increased from 388 dollars to 573 dollars. At the same time, the costs of operating a farm remained constant or increased. These costs included shipping rates, interest on loans, and the cost of machinery and other needed commodities. This means that while industrial workers began to profit more, farmers were barely making enough to feed themselves. The main reason prices of crops continued to drop was that there was an oversupply of grains on the market, a of too many farmers producing too much of the same crop.  

Many farmers blamed the railroad companies, the bankers, and the grain elevator operators for the high costs of farming and getting their product to market. Farmers especially despised the railroads, which charged far higher rates in the West than in the East to transport grains across the country. Farmers began to protest railroad companies and received much support. Industrial workers were much more self-dependent and enjoyed the growing industrial economy.

Industrial workers also protested the growing industrialization due to unsafe working environments and poor treatment. These two types of workers would often cooperate with eachother because they were both treated badly, sought to achieve more support from Congress, and wanted more control over railroads rather than large companies.