There have been change in the past 50 years that have profoundly impacted sustainability. Global issues. The global impacts of large-scale industrialization and materialism. Population growth and increased life expectancy, especially in development of the world. Globalization of trade and transport. Impacts of science and technology exponentiation. Increased corporate influence in relation to government and private citizens.
Farmers were facing many problems in the late 1800s. ... To deal with problems which could be solved politically, farmers organized groups and eventually a political party. Groups like the Grange worked to help farmers deal with high railroad shipping costs and high interest rates.
