Name : Kaylee Weigel
Semester : 5th Semester, 2022
History of Agriculture and Rural America
In the history of American agriculture and rural areas, the 19th century was marked by
economic growth and improvements in agricultural technology. However, farmers
experience difficulties due to government policies and global market competition. In
addition, in the 20th century, there was a shift towards industrial agriculture and significant
social changes in rural communities. Today, America's agriculture and countryside are
constantly changing with the adoption of modern technology and efforts to achieve
sustainability.
1) There is much to know and learn about the history of agriculture and rural areas in the
United States. The following are some of the key points in the history of American
agriculture and rural areas:
2) Agriculture has been an important part of American history since colonial times. Early
settlers took advantage of the region's fertile soil to grow many types of crops, including
maize, beans, and vegetables.
3) The early agricultural system was based on the use of arable land and slave labor.
Landowners used slave labor from Africa to manage their crops, and this influenced the
economic and political development of the United States for several centuries.
4) The Industrial Revolution brought new technological innovations that increased
agricultural efficiency. Machines such as tractors, lawn mowers, and grain mills helped
increase production and reduce dependence on human and animal labour.
5) In the late 19th century, agriculture became a major industry in the United States. The
government provides support to farmers and develops programs to increase production
and profits.
United States History Since 1877 (AMH 2020)
6) These programs included homesteading, in which farmers were given free land in
remote areas, and the Morrill Act, which provided financial support for the
establishment of agricultural colleges.
7) In the early 20th century, large numbers of urban dwellers began migrating to rural
areas and settling there. This brought about major changes in the way of life and culture
in rural America.
8) During the Great Depression in the 1930's, the government developed programs to help
affected farmers. These programs include the Agricultural Adjustment Act, which aims
to reduce production and increase crop prices.
9) After World War II, farmers began to use more technology and machines to increase
production and efficiency. This has allowed the United States to become one of the
largest food producers in the world.
10) However, there are also some problems that have arisen as a result of the
industrialization of agriculture. Some farmers are facing difficulties due to increasingly
fierce competition, rising production costs and unfair treatment from big companies.
11) During the 1960s, the civil rights and environmental movements fought for farmers'
rights and environmental protection. This brought about major changes in politics and
agricultural policies in the United States.
12) In the 1970s, the government began providing support for organic and small farms, as
an alternative to large and industrial farms.
United States History Since 1877 (AMH 2020)