Evaluate the response of government to the plight of America’s farmers and laborers in the late nineteenth century.

By the end of the Civil War American industries were experiencing tremendous growth. America was becoming more and more urbanized, due to an increase in population, and required much work from the farmers to feed the increasing population. Many inventions were created that greatly increased the production of farmers such as the McCormick Reaper and steel plows. Sadly, for the farmers they were still experiencing hard times financially even though their production had risen tremendously, and this resulted in many farmers living and poverty and being foreclosed upon. Multiple factors contributed to farmer’s poor profits, most notably high railroad shipping prices for agricultural goods, and the use of grain elevators. Farmers and laborers as well were not pleased with their predicament, quickly organized and created the National Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry and many other groups like the populist, with common goals of improving the lives of farmers and laborers. The response of government to the plight of America’s farmers and laborers in the late nineteenth century was exceptionally positive for the farmers and laborers through many Supreme Court rulings directly benefiting farmers and laborers, a multitude of Granger laws past in which farmers were the main benefactors, and the rise of the populist party, a group which consisted of many farmers and laborers with progressive ideals.

There were a few noteworthy Supreme Court cases which affected farmers and laborers positively. These include the rulings of Munn v. Illinois and Peik v. the Chicago and Northwestern Railway. The case Munn v. Illinois, was a large victory for the farmers for it ruled that when property was being “devoted to public use” that states had the option of putting restrictions on railroad companies for the benefits of the people. Pretty much the people were the farmers. This ruling helped reduce the high prices framers were paying to get their crops sent to consumers. The ruling Peik v. the Chicago and Northwestern railway was also a great victory for the farmers for it assumed that the Granger laws were completely valid and didn’t infringe upon the federal governments right restrict interstate trade and commerce. This allowed the Granger laws to continue which helped farmers enormously.

Granger laws are held in common with the group the National Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry. These laws refer to laws passed by people that were in either in the group or sympathized with the group. The National Granger of Patrons of Husbandry were made to help farmers build closer bonds with one another and eventually moved to politics and had many members elected to political offices. There these “Grangers” passed multiple laws that directly benefited farmers and laborers throughout America. These laws did a tremendous job of dealing with the unfair treatment many farmers were experiencing.

The Populist Party, although had many other aspects of their platform, was centered on helping farmers and laborers. The Populist Party was a huge supporter of labor unions, which can be seen in the fact that they were against the idea of private security groups, groups not a part of the government, being used to break up strikes. The party was for labor reform in it fought for an eight hour work day for workers. The Populists consisted of and supported farmers in that they felt all federally granted land to railroad companies should be given to the public, the public often referring to farmers. The Populist Party greatly assisted the plight of farmers and laborers.

To conclude, the response of the government to the farmers and laborers was extremely beneficial for farmers and laborers. Farmers and laborers were able to achieve many Supreme Court rulings that were directly in their favor. Farmers and laborers were also able to organize and become a part of the political process by passing Granger laws. Lastly, farmers and laborers helped create and become the platform of the Populist Party which helped fight against their abuses. Farmers and laborers succeeded significantly in achieving a positive response for their efforts from the government.