Famers in America from 1880 1900 actual DBQ prompt
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Excellent DBQ
In the two decades (1880-1900) farmers were very discontented. They formed unions and political parties to help combat their problems. Railroad monopolies, the new gold standard, and governments switch to favor business all combined to make farmers position very unstable at best. These complaints were all very valid especially in regard to the farmers precarious position.
Railroad monopolies were probably the most economically detrimental to farmers. Not only would they railroads charge extravagant rates for shipping and handling, but they would also charge for storage in their grain silos. Frank Norris' The Octopus criticizes the railroad companies and emphasizes their extortionist policies. Not only that, but railroads would drive out locally owned businesses, many of which were owned by farmers. Mr. George W...