1. Explain from the Gilded Age that supports the "the farmers were up in arms."
2. What is one change in the South between 1877 and 1900 that reflected the policies of the New South agenda?
The Gilded Age and agriculture:
http://www.austincc.edu/lpatrick/his1302/agrarian.html
Changes in the South after 1877:
http://www.ferris.edu/jimcrow/what.htm
I have no idea what book, article, or text you were assigned, but these sites will explain these historical issues. You can relate the information back to your text to answer the questions.
1. During the Gilded Age in the late 19th century, there were a series of economic and political shifts that had a significant impact on the rural population, particularly farmers. To explain why "the farmers were up in arms" during this period, we can look at several factors that contributed to their discontent.
Firstly, industrialization and technological advancements led to increased mechanization and efficiency in agriculture. This resulted in overproduction and a subsequent decline in crop prices. Farmers, already burdened by high debt and increasing costs, found themselves struggling to make a living.
Secondly, a rise in monopolies and trusts, particularly in the railroad industry, led to unfair business practices and discriminatory freight rates. Farmers, who heavily relied on rail transportation to ship their products to markets, faced exorbitant prices and discrimination in favor of larger producers. This further diminished their profitability and exacerbated their frustrations.
Thirdly, during the Gilded Age, there was a lack of government regulation and support for farmers. They were often left at the mercy of powerful corporations and faced limited access to credit, education, and resources. Farmers organized themselves into various alliances and movements, such as the Grange and the Populist Party, to advocate for their rights and address these concerns collectively.
In summary, the farmers' discontent during the Gilded Age was a result of the economic challenges they faced due to overproduction and declining crop prices, unfair business practices and discriminatory policies in transportation, and the lack of government support. These factors, among others, drove them to take action and stand up for their interests.
2. One change in the South between 1877 and 1900 that reflected the policies of the New South agenda was the expansion of industrialization and the diversification of the economy. The New South agenda was a movement that aimed to shift the South's economy away from its heavy reliance on agriculture and towards industrial development.
Several factors contributed to this change. Firstly, the end of Reconstruction in 1877 marked a transition from a military occupation to Southern control over their political and economic affairs. This allowed for more favorable conditions for economic development and investment.
Secondly, the availability of natural resources, such as timber, coal, and iron, in the South attracted industries that required these inputs. Companies began to establish factories and industrial centers throughout the region, particularly in cities like Birmingham and Atlanta.
Thirdly, the expansion of railroads in the South provided the necessary infrastructure for transporting goods and resources, facilitating industrial growth. Rail connectivity allowed industries to access broader markets and encouraged the migration of laborers to these newly emerging industrial hubs.
Additionally, efforts to attract investment and subsidize industries were made by Southern leaders, as they recognized the need to compete with the industrialized North. State governments offered tax incentives, grants of land, and other forms of assistance to attract businesses to the region.
Overall, the shift toward industrialization and economic diversification in the South between 1877 and 1900 reflected the policies of the New South agenda. This change aimed to move away from the agrarian-based economy of the antebellum period and embrace industrial development as a means of both economic growth and regional pride.