Question

how did corporations make it difficult for small farmers to compete in the late 19th century?

a. they refused to loan money to small farmers.

b. they charged money for access to water.

c. they hired small farmers to work for them.

d. they refused to ship small farmers crops.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: In the late 19th century, corporations (like banks or railroads) often refused loans to small farmers, limiting their ability to invest in equipment, seeds, etc., making competition hard.
• Option B: Charging for water access was not a primary way corporations hindered small farmers.
• Option C: Hiring small farmers would not make it difficult for them to compete; it would provide income.
• Option D: Corporations (especially railroads) often charged high rates or refused to ship, but the more direct hindrance was loan refusal. However, re - evaluating, the key way corporations made it hard was by controlling credit. But actually, the correct reasoning is that corporations (railroads, etc.) had monopolistic control over shipping and also financial institutions refused loans. But among the options, A is the most accurate as financial corporations (banks) refusing loans limited small farmers' resources. Wait, no, let's re - check. In the late 19th century, railroads (corporations) had monopolies on shipping. But the options: A says refused to loan money. Small farmers needed loans for land, equipment. Banks (corporations) often discriminated against them. So A is correct.

Answer:

A. They refused to loan money to small farmers.