History of the United States

losing their farms because of unpaid debts

The system kept many farmers in debt to merchants and banks.

they hoped these crops would bring more money.

to move to a more productive land
raising large numbers of cattle.

they could afford the most modern machinery.

The government was willing to use force to end strikes

It would increse the money supply.

Use of initiatives had the effect of allowing direct democracy.

Leaving fields unplanted allowed soil to recover from cash crops production, but it was impossible for poor farmers who needed the money from the sale of their crops.

plains farmers

There really was no such thing as "bonanza ranches" or "bonanza ranchers." There is such a thing as bonanza farms, but not ranches.

Direct election of senators

Organizing through local chapters

bonanza farmers

The political goal of farmers was lower prices for grain storage.

Fruit

Cash crops could be ruined by a single disease.

Crops became smaller and lower in quality each year.