Lesson 2: Western Agriculture

Key Idea

After the Civil War, the demand for beef grew rapidly in eastern cities. In Texas, millions of wild longhorn cattle roamed freely. This combination of high demand and vast supply created a major economic opportunity, leading to the rise of the Cattle Kingdom on the Great Plains.

To get the cattle to market, ranchers organized the cattle drive. Cowboys herded thousands of longhorns north across the open range to railroad towns in Kansas and other states. From these "cow towns," the cattle were shipped east for processing. This system transformed the plains and created a new, profitable industry centered on ranching.

Key Idea

In 1862, the U.S. government passed the Homestead Act to encourage settlement in the West. The law offered families a 160-acre plot of land for a small fee. To own it, they had to live on and farm the land for five years.

However, the plan had major problems. Much of the best land was already controlled by railroad companies. Also, wealthy speculators claimed large areas of land, not to farm, but simply to sell later for a profit.

Key Idea

The federal government supported agricultural education through the Morrill Acts. These laws gave states land to create colleges focused on farming and mechanics. This helped spread new farming techniques across the West.

As individual farmers struggled with debt, falling crop prices, and high railroad fees, they began to organize. They formed cooperative groups to gain more economic power and demand fair treatment.

Key Idea

Facing economic hardship, isolated farm families began to organize. The National Grange was the first major farmers' organization. It offered social events to connect families and created cooperatives, or "cash-only" stores. These stores allowed farmers to buy goods and sell crops together, giving them more economic power.

As the Grange's influence faded, the Farmers' Alliances grew stronger in the West and South. These groups continued to provide social support and economic cooperation. They also became more politically active, lobbying the government for laws to regulate railroads and make loans more affordable for farmers.