The Change in Farming in the Late 1800's

The 19th century was an important era in United States history. From many new advancements in industry to a drastic change in social behavior. From independent farm life to the start of urban development. Changes that have impacted society even to this day. By 1925, the massive growth from 44 million people in 1875, to 114 million people gave a broader perspective on how life should be lived in the ever expanding nation. Farms were the basis of American culture since Virginia was first founded back in 1625. People need food to live and land to grow it on. America has plenty of land to cultivate so it’s the perfect place for an agriculturally based society. Let’s start from before the civil war began and work our way up to the popularity of urbanization through the beginning of the 20th century. The United States' prosperity was ever expanding, growing immensely every year. The more people, the more food you need. So agriculture slowly began to be recognized as needed business. In 1862 along with the Homestead Act a government position was appointed for a commissioner of agriculture. This was a leap that gave strength to the agricultural society of America. New farmers were excited about this because it showed that agriculture was had the security from the government that their farms were protected by a higher authority other than their ability to shoot trespassers. This also gave war veteran the ability to get funds for their farms by the government, written under the Homestead Act. The Agricultural boom became even more prevalent once the railroads began to arise throughout the eastern areas of the United States. Farmers were able to transport massive amounts of food all over the states for much more profit, and it also benefited people in more densely populated areas where farming was scarce, such as New York. The agricultural industry began to grow even faster once the civil war began because food needed to be transported to towns north and south to feed the