1. The West and the Wizard of Oz

2. Enemies of the Farmer The Dragon
Bad Weather
High Tariffs from higher farm equipment
High Interest Rates – farmers riskier business
Mortgages
Falling prices – crops flooded the market
Railroads – High rates, no rebates to farmers, Free passes to elected officials as a bribe
Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 – (ICC) regulated the prices that railroads charged to move freight between states. Ineffective in 1887 because the railroads still ruled, but very important today.

3. The Grange – an organization to help the farmers
Socialize – first boredom and loneliness
Put pressure on state legislators to regulate the railroad rates and operators of grain elevators
Helped form farming cooperatives – bought large quantities at lower prices

4. Populist Party – A Third Party
Wanted an increased circulation of money
The unlimited minting of silver.
A progressive income tax – rise with income.
Government ownership of communication and transportation systems.

5. American Expansionism
Expansionism= imperialism
Manifest Destiny - The United States had a mission to spread liberty across the continent. Undeniable fate to possess the entire continent. Destined to own land from sea to sea. It will cause conflicts with the Natives and Mexico.
Examples – Texas, War with Mexico, Oregon Territory

6. American Progress

8. Moving Westward
Push Factors – Civil War displaced farmers and freed blacks
Pull Factors – private property
Homestead Act of 1862– 160 acres of land to settlers in the west for a small price – A chance to own their own land.
Railroad allowed larger migration to the west.
Native Americans on the Great Plains – hunted the buffalo on horseback, forced onto reservations and were forced to learn to farm
Mining – California Gold Rush
Cattle Boom – cowboys and cattle drives
Farming the Great Plains – new innovations made it easier – barbed wire, dry farming, steel plow, Steel windmill, improved communication, grain drill, mechanized reaper

9. Reservations and Major Indian Battles

12. Sod house

14. Assignment pg 21
Below your notes, list at least 3 examples of third parties and in a sentence explain what their role is in American politics.