Cities and Politics in SD
Native Americans had these along the river before Europeans arrived
Villages
This was one major event that helped farmers find success going into the 1920s
WWI
Growing crops was always a staple in SD history, but this eventually contends with it as the largest industry
Ranching
The state was established in
1889
The Republican party had been trying to regain control of the state throughout the 30s by labeling democrats...
Before railroads: Towns near these were the most densely populated
Rivers
Crops yields were reduced for early farmers due to
Stockmen’s Organizations helped to...
They helped to keep away cattle thieves but also helped with organization and transportation of livestock
Politicians who were friends or relatives of other politicians (carpetbagging)
Very few politicians had any ties to the area itself
Many were corrupt political hacks who used it as another step
Ultimately, these “carpetbaggers” had little long lasting impact on politics in the state
Lack of imagination, unwillingness to experiment led to
This occurred during 1878-1886
The Great Dakota Boom
Farmers realized they were at the mercy of
markets and falling prices
These characterized the ranches with the Black Hills
Small operations
All the divisions in the Republican party led to...
to the first Democratic governor in South Dakota’s history in 1926
By 1934, 39% of the population was on public relief which ranked
1st in the nation
Receiving this also indicated if a town might survive
List 3 reasons the Great Dakota Boom happened
Rapid industrialization of the East and Old Midwest
Improvements in flour milling
Extensive railroad construction
New farm technology
Great surge in immigration
This Opened up a huge area of grassland for white ranchers
Reduction of the Great Sioux Reservation in 1889
This would take decades to actually find ground in South Dakota’s politics
A two-party system
Democrats struggled in the 30s because
Democrats had not had such large gains before, slightly inexperienced at governing in SD
The democrats were simply not united in SD
Nationally, the New Deal was in place
Berry was not a full supporter of it, but he did try to get federal funding
Conflict over taxing was another issue- Governor wanted gross income tax, many wanted the sales tax, others simply wanted no tax
This was the difference between East and West River after/during the Great Dakota Boom
Growth continued in the eastern part of the state while the western part lagged behind due to lack of transportation
These occurrences led to what?
Reduced economic pressure
Increased urbanization and rising wages allowed for more goods to be bought
Market prices and land prices rose
Parity: rural and urban purchasing power was equal
The Golden Years of SD
The laws of early Stockmen Associations...
Their laws did eventually benefit the West River cattle industry more than their East River counterparts
This Established a tradition of agrarian radicalism
Populism
This made it extremely difficult for politicians to generate any income
The old tax system