The National Grange & Grange Laws
Founded in 1868 by Oliver Hudson Kelley, this organization functioned as a social club, study group, and mutual support network for post-Civil War farmers
What is The National Grange?
Originating in Texas in 1876, the Alliance supported these organizations, which allowed farmers to pool their resources and buy supplies together.
What are co-ops/cooperatives?
Passed in 1887, this was the first major federal law that told big business—specifically railroads—they couldn't do whatever they wanted.
What is the Interstate Commerce Act?
Passed in the Midwest in the 1870s, the Grange Laws set maximum rates to regulate railroads and companies that stored this.
What is grain?
The Alliance fought to end this exploitative system that forced farmers to borrow against next year's harvest.
What is the crop-lien system?
The act attempted to create fair business practices by requiring published rates and explicitly banning these.
What are secret deals?
Beyond financial struggles, the Grange specifically aimed to combat this emotional hardship caused by rural isolation.
What is loneliness?
By flexing their political muscles, the Farmers' Alliance laid the groundwork for this political party that demanded government intervention for ordinary people.
What is the Populist Party?
The act established this commission to enforce the new rules, though it was initially described as having "about as much power as a scarecrow in a tornado."
What is the Interstate Commerce Commission?