Question

it puts the burden on revenue on foreign goods, it secures the american market for the american producer.... the republican party is unreservedly for sound money....we are unalterably opposed to every measure calculated to debase our currency or impair the credit of our country. 1896 republican party platform questions to think about 1. identify the economic and political grievances of late 19th century american farmers. 2. how compelling do you find the farmers reform program? 3. do you think that agrarian radicalism was a realistic response to actual conditions or an irrational and hysterical expression of farmers fears and anxieties? 4. was the decision of farmers in 1896 to focus on the issue of free silver a betrayal of agrarian ideals or a reasonable response to the political situation facing farmers? the changing lives of american farmers interpreting statistics agricultural productivity wheat 1800 1900 worker - hours to produce an acre 56 15 yield per acre 15 14 corn worker - hours per acre 86 38 yield per acre 25 26 cotton worker - hours per acre 185 112 yield per acre 147 191 questions to think about 1. how great was the increase in agricultural productivity between 1800 and 1900? 2. why did agricultural productivity increase between 1800 and 1900? 3. describe the social and economic consequences of increasing agricultural productivity?

Explanation:

1. Economic grievances: Late - 19th century American farmers faced falling crop prices due to over - production and increased competition. High transportation costs (railroad monopolies), high interest rates on loans, and debt were also major issues. Politically, they felt under - represented as policies seemed to favor industrial and financial interests over agriculture.
2. The farmers' reform program was quite compelling as it addressed real economic hardships. It aimed to increase the money supply (e.g., free silver), regulate railroads, and reduce debt burdens.
3. Agrarian radicalism was a realistic response. Farmers were facing genuine economic crises like low prices and high costs, which led to organized efforts to change the system.
4. Focusing on free silver in 1896 was a reasonable response. It was seen as a way to increase the money supply, raise crop prices, and ease debt burdens, which were key issues for farmers.

For the productivity questions:

1. Agricultural productivity increased as shown by the decrease in worker - hours per acre for wheat, corn, and cotton, and an increase in yield per acre for most crops.
2. Productivity increased due to technological advancements (new farming machinery like the reaper), improved farming techniques, and expansion of cultivated land.
3. Socially, it led to a shift in the rural population as some farmers left for urban areas. Economically, it contributed to overall economic growth but also led to price deflation in agricultural products due to increased supply.

Answer:

1. Economic: falling prices, high costs, debt. Political: under - representation.
2. Quite compelling as it addressed real hardships.
3. Realistic response to economic crises.
4. Reasonable response to political and economic situation.

For productivity:

1. Decrease in worker - hours, increase in yield in most cases.
2. Technological and technique improvements, land expansion.
3. Social: rural - urban shift. Economic: growth but price deflation.