Unit 6
Westward Expansion: Economics and Settlement 🏔
Mechanization of Agriculture
The agricultural West underwent a significant change with the introduction of machines, replacing human labor and animal power. This led to:
Increased crop production: Corn and wheat production roughly doubled between 1870 and 1900.
The decline of small farmers: Unable to compete with industrial farmers, small farmers struggled to survive.
Effects of Mechanization
Surplus of crops: The increased production led to a surplus of crops, causing prices to decrease.
Economic pressure on small farmers: Small farmers were unable to sell their crops at low prices, leading to further economic struggles.
Industrial Trusts and Railroad Issues
Industrial trusts: Maintained high prices for manufactured goods, making it difficult for farmers to afford necessities.
Railroad problems: Railroad owners charged high prices for transportation, further adding to farmers' economic struggles.
The National Grange Movement
Organized resistance: Farmers came together to resist the changes and push for regulations.
Granger Laws: Laws passed to regulate railroad rates and abusive corporate practices.
The Interstate Commerce Commission
Established in 1886: The Commerce Act of 1886 required railroad rates to be reasonable and just, and established the Interstate Commerce Commission to enforce these regulations.
Westward Migration
Federal government incentives: The government encouraged westward migration through land grants and the Homestead Act of 1862.
Pacific Railroads Acts: The government granted land to railroad companies to build transcontinental railroads.
The Homestead Act
"The Homestead Act of 1862 granted potential migrants 160 acres of free land out west on the condition that they would farm it and settle it."
Limitations: The 160 acres of land were not sufficient for a farmer to make a living, leading to many farmers going bust.
Discovery and Extraction of Precious Metals
Gold Rush: The discovery of gold in 1848 led to a wave of migrants moving west, resulting in the formation of boomtowns.
Diverse boomtowns: The boomtowns that emerged were extremely diverse, similar to major urban areas in the east.
Key Points
Topic | Description |
|---|---|
Mechanization of Agriculture | Introduction of machines in agriculture, leading to increased production and decline of small farmers |
National Grange Movement | Organized resistance by farmers to push for regulations and protect their interests |
Westward Migration | Federal government incentives and land grants to encourage westward migration |
Homestead Act | 1862 law granting 160 acres of free land to settlers, but with limitations |
Discovery and Extraction of Precious Metals | Gold Rush and formation of boomtowns, leading to diverse populations |