Check out this description of the Gilded Age from SparkNotes:
"The Gilded Age and the first years of the twentieth century were a time of great social change and economic growth in the United States. Roughly spanning the years between Reconstruction and the dawn of the new century, the Gilded Age saw rapid industrialization, urbanization, the construction of great transcontinental railroads, innovations in science and technology, and the rise of big business.
Industrialization and Big Business
The Civil War had transformed the North into one of the most heavily industrialized regions in the world, and during the Gilded Age, businessmen reaped enormous profits from this new economy. Powerful tycoons formed giant trusts to monopolize the production of goods that were in high demand. Andrew Carnegie, for one, built a giant steel empire using vertical integration, a business tactic that increased profits by eliminating middlemen from the production line. Conversely, John D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil Company used horizontal integration, which put competitors out of business by selling one type of product in numerous markets, effectively creating a monopoly. These “captains of industry” cared little for consumers and did anything they could to increase profits, earning them the nickname “robber barons.”Railroads
Railroads were the literal engines behind this era of unprecedented industrial growth. By 1900, American railroad tycoons like Cornelius Vanderbilt had laid hundreds of thousands of miles of track across the country, transporting both tradable goods and passengers. The industry was hugely profitable for its leaders but riddled with corrupt practices, such as those associated with the Crédit Mobilier scandal of 1871. Congress passed the Interstate Commerce Act in 1887 to protect farmers and other consumers from unfair business practices.Organized Labor
Organized labor did not fare nearly as well as big business during the Gilded Age, as most Americans looked down on labor unions during the era. The first large-scale union, the National Labor Union, was formed just after the end of Civil War, in 1866. Workers created the union to protect skilled and unskilled workers in the countryside and in the cities, but the union collapsed after the Depression of 1873 hit the United States. Later, the Knights of Labor represented skilled and unskilled workers, as well as blacks and women, in the 1870s, but it also folded after being wrongfully associated with the Haymarket Square Bombing in 1886.Despite these setbacks for organized labor, workers continued to strike, or temporarily stop working, for better wages, hours, and working conditions. The most notable strikes of this era were the Great Railroad Strike, the Homestead Strike, and the Pullman Strike, all of which ended violently. The more exclusive American Federation of Labor, or AFL, emerged as the most powerful union in the late 1880s.
The Grange
High protective tariffs and the Depression of 1893 had disastrous effects on poor subsistence farmers in the Midwest and South. Many of these cash crop farmers, often deeply in debt, were unable to afford the unregulated railroad fares to send their products to the cities. As a result, over a million impoverished farmers organized the National Grange to fight for their livelihood. The Grange managed to win some key victories in several midwestern legislatures, supporting the Greenback Party in the 1870s and then the Populist Party in the 1890s.
The Populist Party
The Depression of 1873, which effectively dissolved the National Labor Union, also threatened many new settlers in the Midwest. Plagued by steep railroad fares, high taxes under the McKinley Tariff, and soaring debt, thousands of small farmers banded together to form the Populist Party in the late 1880s. The Populists called for a national income tax, cheaper money (what Populists called “free silver”), shorter workdays, single-term limits for presidents, immigration restrictions, and government control of railroads."Now that you've read some background information to "spark" your memory, here is this week's prompt!
Prompt:
Analyze the ways in which farmers and industrial workers responded to industrialization in the Gilded Age (1865-1900).
As always, do not repeat what has already been said when you contribute to the converstaion and prove your point. Do not simpy agree or disagree with what has been said already. Give a new fact to support your opinion. Happy blogging my History Minions!
The Gilded Age brought many improvements in farming but it led to riots, strikes, and conflicts that severely affected the industries. Farmers made good use of the land that was available from the government and the new improvements in farming equipment. Industrial workers formed unions so that they could unite and gain better working conditions which then led to a large increase in the number of strikes and protests in the country.
ReplyDeleteTrue,but also it had good impacts because farmers could move crops way faster and farther.
Deletei agree it brought improvements but it hurt the farmers because the in order to transport their crops they had to pay an enormous amount of money to the railroad companies to get their crops moving.Yes they could move them faster and farther but it cost them.
DeleteI agree with what you are saying but farmers were also losing lands which made them angry.
DeleteHowever, the taxes brought problems which was why the people protested and went on strikes.
DeleteI agree a 100% the agriculture part of the gilded age had both good and bad effects. It was good because the farmers gained but it took alot for them to gain what they had.
DeleteFarmers responded positively towards industrialization in the Glided Age because it involved transportation in which they could move crops faster and farther.
ReplyDeleteIndustrial workers increased in numbers because many more products were being mass produced instead of being made by hand.
Industrial workers also increased because there were more factories in the big cities, therefore there was more jobs available.
DeleteThe gilded age was one of the important events in farmers profit because this industrialization provided new machinery which caused them to make more money.This made them independent and substantial.
DeleteDon't forget that the farmers were also hurt by the RR's high prices to transport the farmers crops.
DeleteRegardless of the new machinery and innovative form of transportation, none of this was usefully to the common farmer who was unable to afford these commodities and still live comfortably. This was a horrendous time for the farmers. It literally split the classes of America eventually leading to a class warfare!
DeleteThe gilded age made the farmers and industrial workers to respond in a similar way by forming unions to protect or aid them.The farmers who were in debt had the National Grange which allowed the farmers to bind together for the first time ever since they were the group that lacked unionization.The industrial workers formed unions like the Knights of labor and national labor union that formed strikes demanding protection of the workers.Both groups had a similar response of forming unions in order to get what the groups wanted and also to get the corrupt railroad men and big companies to know that without the worker and farmers their companies would fail.
ReplyDeleteThat's true. That is a perfect way to put it as the gilded age looked good, but was actually bad.
DeleteIn the Gilded Age, the farmers and industrial workers both organized parties to show they were to fight for their opinions. The Interstate Commerce Act in 1887 was one of the great acts of this age and put a shield up for the farmers and other consumers against the unfair businesses. Unions of skilled and unskilled workers fell as the depression came, though workers fought on and continued to create more unions such as Knights of Labor, National Labor Union, and American Federation of Labor. The workers really out spoke their thoughts and fought their hardest to go against the Gilded Age. Industrial workers thrived in this age due to the fact that it is at the center of them, it brought more jobs for industrial factory owners and made easier transportation for their goods. The Railroad for example made it easier to transport the good they made. Farmers however were not able to use this sort of transportation as much as the Industrial folk because they don't have enough to send their goods. Which is why they began the strikes and made parties to fight for their economic equality.
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree with you, but don't forget how positive the economic outcome was. Although, the struggle for poor farmers and industrial workers was hard the businessmen and economy were getting much more money.
DeleteAlso many industrial workers left their skilled jobs for unskilled ones, children were sent to work in the mills and factories in order to increase their family's income and women began to enter paid labor forces in numerous quantities.
DeleteFarmers and industrialize workers responded to industrialization positively. Farmers could transpor goods faster and to farther places. Indistrialized workers became morenuperous because products were being mass produced rather than by hand.
ReplyDeleteI agree, farmers did respond positively to the transportation as well as to the farming advances. However this led to overproducing crops. Although prices for the crops were now lowered, they kept making more and more due to all the technological advances. This made them become in debt because they weren't getting paid enough for all they were making.
DeleteI agree, farmers did respond positively to the transportation as well as to the farming advances. However this led to overproducing crops. Although prices for the crops were now lowered, they kept making more and more due to all the technological advances. This made them become in debt because they weren't getting paid enough for all they were making.
DeleteFrom what I have read Farmers reacted to this in a very negative way. They were getting little wages and being put in horrific working conditions; they were furious. They demanded their rights.
DeleteTrue but farmers would soon start having to pay to transport goods.
DeleteThis also led to the economy imporving since farmers were now transporting their goods.
DeleteAlso, there was an increase of jobs due to the increase of industrialization, therefore this is another positive effect for the industrialized workers!
DeleteAna Mendoza
I agree, but at the same time, farmers couldn't afford the tariffs or prices imposed by the Railroads, most farmers would be left poor or in debt due to the imposing Railroads.
DeleteI do agree with how the Indistrialized workers had became morenuperous. With all the R.R. being built they needed to put in extra work in order to keep up the demand of the product.
DeleteDuring the Gilded Age time period, farmers and industrial workers had their own hardships and opinions about the new industrialization that took place in the U.S. More and more people were coming to the big cities, therefore making the cities focus on many political leaders. Also, industrial workers were being needed more to work in the factories, than the farmers were with farming. The industrial cities also had more factories, which equaled more people who had a job, and could make money to help the government out. People then had two more social groups: the agrarian/farmers and the big city industrial workers. The Gilded Age had an affect on farmers and industrial workers. This was mostly because politicians were concentrating more on industrialists, and less on farmers, therefore causing more people to travel to the big cities to work.
ReplyDeleteSayra, but they had basically handicapped the farmers, as they taxed anything and everything that they farmers had. They could not have a life anymore due to the Gilded Age.
DeleteThe industralization of the Gilded Age was a good concept to farmers because it brought advances in farming machinery & drove down agricultural costs with the help of skilled farmers.This led to a more profitable country.It also made farmers profit more prosper and large.
ReplyDeleteHowever, the Gilded Age's bad effects it had to farmers were the falling prices for their produce,saturated markets, and increased competition.
DeleteYes, remember the gilded age also had failures, they had to keep fighting for their rights and strike to get what they wanted.
DeleteThe farmers could also lose their land because the railroads were taking over.
DeleteAlthough machinery helped farmers it also required them to be educated to know how to be an electrician and mechanic . Many farmers lack education so they couldnt't really use the machines or fix them .
DeleteIn the Gilded Age farmers were faced with serious problems like railroads increasing price of goods,overproduction dropping prices down, and loans that were harder to repay due to deflation.However that all ended with the great depression and later ended up with the more exclusive American Federation of Labor, or AFL, which emerged as the most powerful union in the late 1880s. There was also the industrial workers that faced labor unions which had many obstacles.These obstacles were general anti-union policies strikes,divided workers among themselves,and also faced violent arguments with business owners and government.Therefore, Congress passed the Interstate Commerce Act in 1887 to protect farmers and other consumers from unfair business practices.
ReplyDeletedon't forget that the collapse of railroad overbuilding and shaky railroad financing led to the Panic of 1893.
DeleteAfter 1906, however, railroads had to charge a consistent rate due to the Hepburn Act, making it easier for farmers to sell their crops.
DeleteThe outcome of the Gilded Age was obviously a great outcome. The key to farmer's responses was transportation. With new farming equipment they could move goods and crops much faster and farther. Industrial workers became more numerous because more things were being mass produced rather than made by hand. Businessmen reaped enormous profits. Though the great economic increase and outcome farmers and industrial workers continued to strike, or temporarily stop working. There were many strikes throughout the gilded age such as the Great Railroad strike which was in response to cutting wages for the second time. Stocking workers would not allow any of the stock to roll until this second wage cut was revoked.
ReplyDeleteI agree even though farmers were given high fees , industrialization made farmer's agriculture methods improve a lot.
DeleteAlthough the Gilded Age brought a great economic increase to the nation, many industrial workers still suffered from poverty despite working numerous hours in factories. Additionally, inflation proved to be a challenge for poor industrial workers. However, many Gilded Age farmers favored inflation to counteract their increasing debts from falling agricultural prices.
DeleteCongratulations Ravens, Super Bowl XLVII Champions!
As the Gilded Age brought rapid industrialization to the United States, farmers and industrial workers accommodated and tried protect themselves from this rapid change, as it would affect their economic environments. Firstly, cash-crop farmers had to increase their agricultural production in order to compete with globally falling agricultural prices. Consequently, in order for farmers to profit, they had to extended the size of their fields and adopt new technologies that would mechanize their fields, therefore increasing their agricultural production. Industrial workers, too, had to accommodate by sending the women and children into factories in order to increase family income among the working class. Both groups of workers, however, attempted to protect their livelihoods and jobs by forming labor unions, parties, and other organizations, all of which were unsuccessful.
ReplyDeleteI agree because both the industrial workers and the farmers had to make accommodations in order to live out the rest of their lives, but it was a good thing because this helped us later out in the future with the mass production of products and the speed of it as well.
DeleteTrue. Many women and children well maybe not all women and children but they wanted to contribute to the household. The factories were ready to accommodate the new workers coming from the farms. Farmers either grew or lost their farms and were forced to go to the city.
DeleteThe Gilded age brought with it the depression and railroads. Although Railroads were good on making land more profitable and valuable it did set back the farmers a great deal though. These farmers who depended on their crops for support were now realizing that the cost to transport these crops to markets through the railroads was way too much so of course this led to uprisings for farmer rights.
ReplyDeleteIt also led to the creation of the populist party
DeleteRR were taking advantage of the farmers necessity to use RR for crop transportation. Also the RR worked with eachother in order to keep the money and power they were acquiring.
DeleteAlso due to mass production of crops the prices went down causing trouble for the farmers who were locked into long term debts with Northern banks. This caused the farmers to organize the Grange Movement.
Deleteyes, the high tariffs and working condition for the farmers were some of the setbacks. The industrial workers suffered some of the same issues. The wage cuts and horrible conditions cause the strikes and boycotts to take place. All these issues led to tension and drawbacks for the economy, society and politics. There were many negotiations and settlements adapting and going around in this time period to ease the tension and make things more equal or stable for all.
DeleteI agree the government favored monopoly therefore abandoning the farmers. they had barely enough and then with the railroads it became impossible forthem to make a living.
DeleteI agree with you liz. Although RR. were suppose to be beneficial to farmers, the overal profit for the farmers crops were not that much. The Prices of the RR. transprotion were too high which made the gilded age not as beneficial to some farmers.
DeleteThat is why farmers set up The Grange, in which farmers fought for their individual rights. Thanks to the forming of this group, farmers gained some victories over legislatures.
DeleteThe way farmers responded to industrialization was quite well due to the government issuing 160 acres of land to qualifiers moving west under the Homestead Act, which they were quite excited for since it was free land to farm on and make money for their crops. Industrial workers reacted quite well also since the Labor Union was now protecting workers’ rights, forming the Knights of Labor which set up 8 hour work days instead of 10 was something the workers were happy about since they could now have 8 hours for work, 8 hours for sleep and 8 hours for whatever they wanted to do.
ReplyDeleteThe gilded era was a time period with failure, corruption, but also success. Farmers and Industrial workers both decided to form unions. Farmers to protect their rights and industrial workers formed labor unions to help with the low wages. Soon strikes started to boom for example the pullman and the homestead strike, but they ended violently. Finally the farmers got together and formed the populist party to help with their rights, and their debt.
ReplyDeleteFarmers and industrial workers reacted negatively toward industrialization. Industrial workers were faced by dangerous conditions in factories as well as low wages. Farmers were faced with high tariffs because of the cost of industrialization, and high railroad fares.
ReplyDeleteAnother problem that occurred with the farmers were equipment. Poor farmers that did not have the proper equipment would have to rent the equipment at high prices and most were not able to make enough money to pay the fees off and it left them in debt.
DeleteAt first, the gilded age had a positive impact on farmers. Due to the gilded age, land that was now available to farmers which meant more land for them to plant on. Of course this was exciting to the farmers. New farming techniques and technological advances also made it convenient for farmers to get more done at a faster pace. Even railroads contributed b/c they were now able to transport more farther and faster. However, when farmers put their crops on market, it lowered the prices farmers demanded. Soon, the cotton production was increasing while the prices were decreasing. As a result, farmers began to be in debt due to all the surplus in crops & their income.
ReplyDeleteFarmers and Industrial workers responded to industrialization in the Gilded Age very angered and furious. They were working in horrible working conditions and being paid so little money. They then created unions to protect them selves. Unfortunately their first attempt, the national labor union failed. This did not stop them so they still joined together and strike. They noticed that the “captains of industry” did not care for the workers. They just did anything they could to increase profits and become rich. The farmers then realized that with out them their companies were nothing so their union and groups united to sabotage them so their companies would fail.
ReplyDeleteDuring the Gildeed age some RR companies charged large amounts of money to farmers and small shippers. This really hurt the farmers because they needed to send their crops into the cities and the RR was a fast and easy way to do so. These large prices were a bit much for the poor farmers but kept the RR companies wealthy.
ReplyDeleteRR companies gained great profit from the inflated prices they gave to poor farmers in order to ship their goods. The companies were known to give great prices to their friends and other wealthy customers. The RR companies also set up a pool, this meant no competition. They would secretly divide business, territories, set up prices, and divide profits.
ReplyDeleteFarmers and industrial workers responded to rapid industrialization by trying to keep up with such rapid productivity but also by trying to protect their own individual rights. Farmers wanted to improve their productivity by adopting better mechanization, and they also started to plant crops westward to gain more revenue. Women started to enter the workforce in great numbers in order to support their families. Some children also started to work in industrial factories. But these farmers and workers always reminded others that they still have their own individual rights to protect, which is why they formed labor unions such as The National Labor Union, The Knights of Labor, The American Federation of Labor, and farmer unions like The Grange. Unfortunately workers still suffered hardships from work and industrialization, and resorted to revolt. The Great Railroad Strike, The Homestead Strike and The Pullman Strike still remain as some of the most violent labor strikes.
ReplyDeletei agree but one main problem that the farmers and industrial workers faced was that they were getting in debt because they had to get loans to buy the materials they needed.
DeleteFarmers and industrial workers responded to industrialization both positive and negative. Farmers reacted positive with new farming machinery that helped make more products faster and cheaper. Railroads were also great for farmers to transport their products faster. Some of the things farmers reacted negative to were high fees. Some of these fees were from railroad fares and the Mckinely tariff that was a high tariff on imports. Which caused the organizations of The Grange and The Populist party.Industrialization brought more work for industrial workers which was good, but wages were very low and conditions were just as bad. workers reacted negative by strikes and riots. which was a way to get companies to change
ReplyDeleteIts evident that they gave up much more than what they gained. Take the Carlisle schools for example. They wanted to help "civilize" but too many children died due to infectious diseases or trying
DeleteLike modern day, the prices were justified. All people want is more money, and that is why they boost prices, if people want their service then they need to pay. Faster transportation for their goods come with great prices. If the farmers are making money without sharing the profit, then what is the point? Many farmers who acted positively towards the rail-roads were the ones who could actually pay for the service. The ones who rioted were the ones who were losing money and couldn't keep their farms running the same.
DeleteFarmers thought that the new industralization was somewhat helpful. Because there were now railroads it made it much easier to transport crops, and the new innovations would allow work to be much easier, but it might cause them to lose farms because the railroads may take over their land. Industralize workers however may have been over worked due to the increased demand of railroads.
ReplyDeleteAs said before by Mark Twain the Gilded Age was when politics looked good, but just beneath the surface lay crass corruption and patronage, thus affecting farmers and industrial workers. During the Gilded Age, production on all fronts - industrial and agriculrtural - increased. Greater supply accordingly led to a drop of crop prices. For many farmers, lower prices meant trouble, as they were into long-term debts. Looking for asolution to their problem farmers came to support a more generous money supply. The farmers then established the Grange Movement but due to lack of money collapsed and were replaced by the Farmers' Alliances which came to be the People's Party. In the other hand the industrial workers were also not happy because factories were dangerous and the cities in which the workers lived suffered of poverty, such as crime, disease, and the lack of livable housing. This led them to form one of the first national labor unions the Knights of Labor,followed by many uprisings.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the Gilded Age, farmers and industrial workers had their benefits from the industrialization going on. As many have said, farmers benefited from new transportation and mechanization to increase their productivity. Farmers also expanded the cash-crop westward and pressured states to pass the Granger Laws. With the depressions and high tariffs, these farmers tried their best to stay protected. Acts, such as the Interstate Commerce Act, were put to play for this purpose. The industrial workers were putting strikes and riots forward for safety issues and better pays. Families were sending their children off to work at these factories and mills for a higher incomes. Farmers and industrial workers dealt with the constant pressure and wanting of money, whether it be due to greed or need. These workers did what they had to in order to be able to get through the Gilded Age. With the rapid industrialization, many things and situations adapted well but some changes and much of the negative effects caused a downfall in the lifestyles for the farmers and industrial workers.
ReplyDeleteThe gilded age brought many advantages and disadvantages for both the farmers and the industrial workers. Many farmers depended on their crops and were always in needs of more land which was being used forfor railroads now. The industrial workers sought more opportunities to become more successful and were now being able to work.
ReplyDeletei agree with your comment and they did have a mix of both advantages and disadvantages. Farmers had little to no education so they were not caught up with the up and coming technology and this made it difficult for them to be successful.
DeleteThe Gilded Age(1865-1900) was a huge change in technology and agriculture in the eyes of industrial workers and farmers. The Gilded Age benefited industrial workers by bringing the workers the new tech. to improve their working matters. It not only helped the industrial workers but also the farmers. It improved the transportation of their crops and other goods by making their shipments faster to reach their destinaton. RR became their new transportation of goods thanks to Cornelius Vanderbilt. The Gilded Age had a major effect on industrial growth and was beneficial at first but then riots started because workers saw these companies making huge profits making them want a higher wage. Farmers faced serious problems also like railroads increasing price of goods and crop prices dropping because of overproduction. Farmers and Industrial Workers responded to the economies industrialization. The Interstate Commerce Act in 1887 was passed to protect farmers and other consumers from unfair business practices.
ReplyDeletethe conditions economically, politically. and technicaly speaking were massively increased. farmers were gaining new inventions giving them oppriyunitties to massly produce a lot more than they ever could. however withthe railroads being built farmers were charged highly. more than what theycoild afford to pay. than with new government policy, large wealth and monopolies began leaving nothing for farmers.
ReplyDeleteIndustralization was an improvement to farmers however it was pricey . The introducement of machinery help farmers be efficient with the work . The work of one man was now multiplied x 50 ! However machinery was expensive . Many farmers went out seeking for financial help to banks .The banks would loan money to the farmer, and the farmer ended up owing more money than he had borrowed. Also having machinery required a farmer to be educated . He has to know how to be a mechanic and electrician to keep his machines running. Industralization help farmers in some way but it also require a lot of work back .
ReplyDeleteThe Gilded Age brought many hardships towards farmers. They might have had easier ways of shipping their goods through railroads but would eventually be taken advantage of. They would be taxed by great amounts to ship just to make profit from them. Industrial workers might have been set with an advantage at first. They were able to acquire more work from the booming of the railroad companies.
ReplyDeleteThe industrial workers also had suffered and thats why they created unions. Unions such as the Knights of Labor contributed to a big part of the workers unions success throughout their strikes and revolts.
DeleteDuring the gilded age there was a huge expansion in agriculture which attracted large numbers of immigrants from Europe, especially German Americans and Scandinavian Americans. The government issued 160 acres, to anyone who qualified under the homestead act. This expansion into the west created a need for workers in the area to build railroads and facilitate trade. With the expansion of the west and railroads, smaller farmers were able to sell the crops to the industrial workers. Farmers that relied on cash crops relied on the industrial market to buy their goods.
ReplyDeleteIn this era, there was an expansion in agriculture, which was a great benefit for most farmers. With this new expansion, railroads had to be installed in order to ease trade. After the Hepburn act was passed, which caused railroads to charge consistent rates,smaller farmers were able to sell their crops to industrial workers, which they relied greatly on.
ReplyDeleteAna Mendoza
The Gilded Age was a time of both improvement and "curruption". Industrialization during this time led to a select few gaining extreme profits and wealth. The problem with this new found wealth was that not every individual was able to enjoy it. Workers were placed in horrible working conditions. For instance, those individuals working for Mr. Pullman were forced to live in his own "city". They payed for rent even when their wages were cut so low they could barely afford it. Pullman and other industrialist were filled with greed and the constant need to compete with the next producer. This maltreatment of workers led to organized worker's unions. The first of which was called the National Labor Union. This was a step towards unification of the needs of all individuals not benefitting from the profits of their employers. Similar grievances were expressed by farmers. Industrialization led to a need for a form of transportation. This became railroads. Railroads become the final step towards completing manifest destiny and are very close to the Americans of this age. However this was also very close to farmer's pocket. High tariffs on railroads forced Farmers into making railroads their main source of transportation. In a time after the civil war many farmers were barely capable of sustaining themselves and their only source of income was selling their produce in the markets of other towns. Because it was more effecient to transport large amounts of goods at one time, trains were seen as ideal. The railroad industry knew this and did not fail to take advantage of the unprotected consumer. The Grange was created to protect these individuals from poverty created by the insensitive industry but it was not enough to end this corruption. Like gilded frames this age was rotten curruption hidden under the prosperous kings of industry.
ReplyDeleteYou made a good point Celia. Only SOME individuals made large amounts of profit, such as Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller, who were extremely competitive. Meanwhile, farmers and other laborers are suffering from debt.
DeleteThere were both positive and negative results towards industrialization from the Gilded Age. Farmers benefited from the creation of the Railroads. The Railroads gave farmers a way of transporting their goods fast and cheap, but at the same time, railroads brought huge tariffs upon the farmers, which they could not afford and sometimes left them poor, in debt, or unable to pay the fare needed to transport their goods. This then led to the creation of the National Grange. Industrial Workers on the other hand, fought and protested for higher wages, shorter work days/hours, and better working conditions. They would go on strikes by just not working until they got what they wanted. This would eventually lead to establishment of the National Labor Union, which would fall due to the Depression of 1873 and later encourage the establishment of the Knights of Labor, which would fall/fail as well. I just experienced a feeling of Deja Vu.
ReplyDeleteFarmers were devastated from this age. As they were taxed incredibly in this time, they could not have even payed for their own crops to go to the city via railroad. And the Depression of 1893 did not help either. This was a bad time for them.
ReplyDeleteHowever, for the industrial workers, they THRIVED for this time. They had Manifest Destiny fill their hearts and they migrated westward and they had built the cities by the railroads that they made. This was a great time for them.
IN the Gildeled Age the farmers i beleive were negativily affected because of how the railroads were the big thing at the time. With the railroads being built people knew that they could make profit on the materials needed to make the railroads rather than growing crops which also took longer the making of STEEL. Steel was the biggest import/export when the railroads were being built.
ReplyDeleteI see how you got this point, but what about the land that the farmers got, or the improved farming equipment? Farmers were not negatively affected in my point-of-view.
DeleteDuring the uprising of the industry after the Civil War, all kinds of citizens were eager to take advantage of new opportunities that were now available. But some people were willing to throw others under the bus in order to make the bigger profit. There was massive competitiveness during this time. Farmers and industry workers were given the short end of the stick. Most farmers suffered from debt, while industry workers were not getting good pay or good hours. Both resulting in strikes and demands for better economic opportunities. The Populist Party was formed by upset laborers in demand for the government to make changes in order for them to have better jobs.
ReplyDeletei agree with ana because some of the citizens that ended up with the short end of the stick were already poor and bringing this situation to America made them more poor.
DeleteWell the way I see it the farmers and industrial workers were getting taken advantage of and who would be happy or react positively if they were being treated that way. Therefore they had multiple strikes and built unions to not have such a handicap compared to the people that were wealthy or better educated.
ReplyDeleteI agree and that this made them suffer more from the high demand of workers being replaced.
DeleteThey were in fact being taken advantage of. Sadly, not even the strikes helped because the jobs would only go to the immigrants willing to take them. They were all interchangeable just like the products they produced.
DeleteThe government issued 160 acre free to qualifying persons moving to the west under the Homestead Act. This expansion into the west created a need for workers in the area to build railroads and facilitate trade. The number of farms tripled from 2.0 million in 1860 to 6.0 million in 1900. With the expansion of the west and railroads, and the Hepburn act which made railroads charge consistent rates, smaller farmers were able to sell the crops to the industrial workers. Farmers that relied on cash crops - tobacco and cotton relied on the industrial market to purchase there goods. There was also negative impact because farmers were angry that there was land being given away, which led to riots.
ReplyDeleteAs the Gilded Age came into effect in the period of 1865 to 1900, farmers and industrial workers jumped onto the trend of the new period. Farmers took great advantage of the new land made available by the government, and made good use of the new advances in farming equipment. Industrial workers began to create unions so that they could unite and obtain better working conditions, which led to a great increase in the number of strikes and protests in the United States. The coming of the Gilded Age brought many improvements in farming, but it also brought many riots, strikes, and conflicts in the industry.
ReplyDeletei agree with you eric. the farmers and industial workers also had an open mind to the new tools that came along with the newfounded industrialization
DeleteI agree. It was the Homestead Act which helped farmers get land as they moved west.
DeleteFarmers and industrial workers responded to the industrial reveloution in a positive manner. Although the farmers had a little bit of getting use to with the "new technology" they would soon see that this would better their life. The industrial workers were on the top of their game and were able to change their habbits and the way they work whenever something new came along. Farmeres and industrial workers were able to produce more things at a faster rate.
ReplyDeleteFarmers and factory workers both suffered during the gilded age. Technological advancements made farming faster, however the tools also hindered them in the cost. Farmers also suffered from major population migration to the cities in industrial jobs. The Factory workers working conditions were terrible in which there were several accidents and deaths. Worker strikes and unions were held, however the numbers of new coming immigrants took over the striking workers positions.
ReplyDeleteThe most benefiting group of all due to American west expansion were the farmers. First the industrial revolution gave farming techniques and tools that consisted of less human labor. Plus, the creation of the transcontinental railroad established a transportation network that revolutionized population and economy of the American west which also helped the farmers to distribute their products. However, The Grange had a rise in opportunity not only for farmers but also for WOMEN. The importance of the grange in women was that it helped promote women's rights. The grange helped reinforced this by requiring that 4 of the elected positions would be occupied by women.
ReplyDeleteFarmers seem to have benefited from the industrialization. The Homestead Act allowed the government to issue 160 acres of land to any qualified person moving west causing a rise in farms in the west. Also, with the Hepburn Act, railroad companies were forced to charge consistent rates, allowing smaller farmers to sell their crops easier.
ReplyDeleteIndustrial workers were beginning to be treated poorly due to their bosses wanting to make a profit. So, they created labor unions like the AFL and the Knights of Labor in order to improve their working conditions.
The Gilded age was a very profitable time for people in big industrial business because of all the monopolization that they had which put small industrial companies out of business. Farmers did not get as much benefit from this though because everybody was moving to industrialization. They reacted by making the National Labor Union.
ReplyDeleteBut the workers in The Guilded Age had mulitple strikes because of the horrible working conditions they were put under.
DeleteFarmers were hurt by The Guilded Age because of the RR construction while the workers in factories suffered with all the problems and the strikes going on during this period, owners wanted to make a quick profit and didnt care about the treatment of their workers. Immigrants were brought in to replace the striking workers to keep the factories running.
ReplyDeleteThe working class reacted to the suddent ris in industry by setting up labor unions such as the National Labor Union in 1866 and the Knights of Labor in 1875. In the "New South", many northern industrialists came to the South and built factories and mills similar to those in the North. In response, many Southern farmers poured out of the hills and to look employment in the newly founded company mill towns. Therefore, during the Gilded Age, the workin class set up labor unions in the North and many families moved to newly built factory cities in the south in response to the sudden increase in industrialization throughout the entire country.
ReplyDeleteThe Gilded age caused many problems in our nation. The farmers in different regions reacted differently. some were mad and others were glad. they had new technology had a great impact on our farming community. However the Indsutrial workers were being treated like they weren't even human. the conditions in the factories were very poor. Upton Sinclar's book The Jungle gives you all the validation you may need
ReplyDeletei agree! the new technology did greatly affect the farming field but positively and negatively! for example, all the western expansions happening at the time creating more opportunities for those in the agriculture workforce but also created more competition at the same time.
DeleteFarmers used the Homestead Act to get government issued 160 acre for farming. Farmers that lived off of cash crops needed the industrial market to purchase there goods. Industrial Workers created Labor Unions like the Knights of Labor.
ReplyDeleteThe most prominent effects of industrialization during the Gilded Age regarding to farmers and factory workers were negative. Although technology helped in making agricultural endeavors simpler, the profits didn't match up, hindering the farmers economically. Also, they had to deal with the tariffs coming from the building of rail roads. As for the factory workers, they had to endure dangerous and unsanitary conditions while working. Deaths and casualties occurred often. Once fed up, union strikes would rise up only to be dismissed. The open jobs went to the new immigrants arriving willing to take any job in attempts to make ends meet.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Maria because they did have it rough conditions in Tue factories . The factory owners really didn't care for their workers . They got paid very little and could 've replaced if wen against the factory
Deletethe gilded age brought many accomplishments to farmers and helped inovate the way in which farming was done. However, the gilded age also brought many riots and protests along with this. New technology was being used by industrial workers. the homestead act also helped the farmers in the way of giving them 160 acres of land. industrial workers created unions during this time period because of working conditions and they wanted to have better ones.
ReplyDeleteWith the rise in new technological innovations relating to farming, the production of crops were greatly affected. Farmers were now able to produce more harvest then they could before.This may seem as a good thing but this only created more competition in the agriculture field, often leaving farmers with overproduction of crops. Also because the Government issued the Homestead act- gave 160 acres of land to those moving out to the west, this created many jobs in the agricultural field often affected from what i mentioned in the first part of the paragraph.
ReplyDeleteAlong with this western expansion also came along more jobs in the railroad industry. But along with this came competition with immigrants. Industrial workers at the time were working in a hazardous environment- being paid too little. But by now their wages would suffer from the mass population of immigrants who were paid even less than the average working American.
The Gilded age was a prosperous time, when America was Industrializing, building many rail-roads and factories, the Time for farmers made the work easier. But to some, the times were not adjustable, there were many rioters and some farmers couldn't see that moving forward and that the future was needed. They were stuck in times they loved and changing it would only be for the worst. For the other farmers that approved of the Industrialization, it made their work easier by carrying more necessities and food faster to other parts of the country. To them, the need for change was NOW!
ReplyDeleteFamers had a good run with the transportation of railroad and land expansion (along with land being COMPLETELY TAKEN UP). Though the land did eventually become unhealthy and ALL taken up, this was the downfall for faremrs.
DeleteMany farmers responded to industrialization by purchasing new equipment that helped them take care of their land. They were able to plant more crops and take care of more land because the new machines helped harvest the crops easier. However, industrialization on industrial workers made it easier to find jobs but it made the working conditions worse for the workers. The need for industrial jobs caused the children and men to work for long hours with little pay.
ReplyDeleteI agree that farmers did have an easier time with improving their land and making sure it was ready for harvest. Though the working conditions were harsh for workers, woman, and children.
DeleteI agree that due to the tools that farmers had bought made some things easier there were still some negative effects on workers and their conditions.
DeleteThe creation of more productive machinery caused the labor and the work done by farmers and factory owners to become more simpler. While there was an increase of the workers and laborers in the time of better machines. There would of been more of a depression if there wasn't innovations in machinery.
ReplyDeleteThis is true, but not entirely. The depression was mostly caused by the war and the stock market, and it still would have occurred if there weren't these innovations. I think the depression would have been about the same, even if these innovations hadn't been created.
DeleteI agree with you because workers didnt have to strain themselves and work as hard anymore with the machines doing the most.
DeleteThe American west land was a land of opportunity to many farmers between 1865 to 1890.Farmers made good use of the land that they had, many crops were grown.Some farmers expanded gaining profit,Due to the access of railroads,allowing them to transport goods faster and to farther places.And Some farmers were unable to transport goods due to the high tarrifs and were not able to transport goods to outside cities.The Grange did affect many farmers leading to the depression of 1893.This motivated many farmers to form a alliance organizing the National Grange.
ReplyDeleteThe homestead act helped out the farmers because. It gave farmers 160 acrs of land. It helped out farmers that use there cash crops because that's the way they got paid . Now the industry workers had it a rough because they were getting paid very little because the factories wanted to make a profit and if the workers went on strike they would get replaced by immigrants
ReplyDeleteAs the Gilded Age came into play in the period of 1865 to 1900, farmers and industrial workers jumped onto the bandwagon of the new period. Farmers took great advantage of the new land made readily available by the government, and made good use of the new advances and improvements in farming equipment. Industrial workers began to form unions so that they could unite and gain better working conditions, which led to a large increase in the number of strikes and protests in the country. The rise of the Gilded Age brought many advancements and improvements in farming, but it also brought many riots, strikes, and conflicts that severely affected industry.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you daisy, farmers really did jump on this so called "bandwagon" because this new period was a huge advancement for them. New Land, New Farming Equipment, they were in Farmers Heaven!
DeleteThe Gilded Age brought many technological advances that later became known as industrialization. For the first time, the majority of the population were now able to get jobs. However, the upper class took advantage of this. They overworked their employees and became involved in scandals, such as the Credit Mobilier scandal. Many labor unions were on the rise to protect the rights of those laborers. However, none lasted very long. Although they recieved many setbacks, the laborers began to take matters into their own hands. Strikes and riots became a common occurrence. The American Federation of Labor soon gained notoriety. Farmers felt the pressure and stress of the Gilded Age as well. The Populist Party rose to power as it defended the rights that the farmers clung to.
ReplyDeleteAt the time, there was a dramatic expansion in agriculture, especially in the Plains states, which attracted large numbers of immigrants from Europe.The government issued 160 acre tracts either free or at nominal cost to qualifying persons moving to the west under the Homestead Act.This meant there was a need for more workers to build railroads. With the expansion of the west and railroads, and the Hepburn act which made railroads charge consistent rates, smaller farmers were able to sell the crops to the industrial workers. Farmers that relied on cash crops - tobacco, cotton, etc relied on the industrial market to purchase there goods
ReplyDeleteFarmers and industrial workers were greatly angered by the change because they were becoming of no use anymore. New innovations in technology made them go on strikes and riots demanding for better conditions because the machines could easily do their job at a faster and easier pace. This made them get low wages and they werent too happy about this.
ReplyDeleteyour right juan, the invetion of machines were suppose to make industrial workers lives easier but really it made it worse due to the dangerous conditions they were working in.
DeleteAs farmers and many workers were starting to have easier working conditions during the Gilded Age there was still the labor that they went through. While there was a change in the type of work and the way that workers did the work was due to the new inventions that were used in the improvement of farming. Buying tools that would later on cause work to become a thing that would be simple to use.
ReplyDeleteThis expansion into the west created a need for workers in the area to build railroads and trade. The number of farms tripled from 2.0 million in 1860 to 6.0 million in 1900
ReplyDeleteWith the expansion of the west and railroads, and the Hepburn act which made railroads charge consistent rates, smaller farmers were able to sell the crops to the industrial workers.