American agriculture through the change of technology, government policy and economic had show decline from period 1865-1900.
American agriculture through the change of technology, government policy and economic had show an increase decline, politically, industrially, and economically, in the period 1865-1900. The period was categorized as a time of Republican laissez-faire governments that favored big business. Technology was making massive strides but mostly in urban manufacturing. The technological improvements that were made available were sold to the farmers at outrageous prices and shipped at high freight rates. Economically, the prices of agriculture were decreasing with that many farmers found themselves in a condition worst than living. Although famers were represented somewhat in government, these pro-agriculture politicians could not defeated the power of urban industry and big business. Although it was the famers who contributed for the country and harvest the substances on which the urban class relied upon, the farmers were becoming the forgotten people of America. Because of the political, industrial, and economic challenges that the farmers were forced to face, American agriculture suffered during the late 19th century. Technologically, the United States was growing at a rapid rate. Advancements began to centralize industries and make life easier for the working class. Railroads were replacing canals and trails and soon, had spread across the entire nation, expanding the national market and making any part of the country accessible. From 1870-1890, the number of railroads increased enormously and the number of railroads with major land grants grew as well (Document B). This may have appeared as a positive gain for farmers on paper but in reality, the railroad hurt the farmers. While this new means of transportation allowed farmers to expand even further and ship their harvest or cattle faster to more markets. Money hungry railroad tycoons such as Leland Stanford, and others controlled the main railroads. The freight rates were outrageous and many