1. The Western Frontier: Farmers & Global Markets
United States History
The Western Frontier:
Farmers & Global Markets

2. The Homestead Act
500,000 families got land, but 90% of land set aside was grabbed by promoters who resold it.

3. Farmers & Machines
From growing their own food, farmers moved to wheat. They invested in expensive technology.

4. The Evolution of Wheat Farming
1860s: Many farmers switch to growing wheat.
1875: American wheat floods global markets.
1870–1880: Volume of wheat exports increases 200%.

6. Trouble
A global glut caused wheat prices to drop. Farmers tried to stay afloat by increasing harvests. That caused prices to drop more.