What did farmers propose to combat corporate power in the late 19th century?

Farmers in the late 19th century faced significant challenges due to the growing power of corporations, particularly in the banking and railroad industries. They proposed various strategies to combat corporate power, with one of the most prominent being the nationalization of banks and railroads. By nationalizing these crucial sectors, farmers believed that they could reduce monopolistic practices and ensure that the interests of the public, specifically farmers and rural communities, were prioritized over corporate profits. This response aimed to provide a fairer pricing structure for transportation and credit, which were vital for their livelihoods.

While it’s important to note that other proposals existed, such as forming cooperatives and establishing rural credit banks, the concept of nationalization was a radical approach that reflected the sentiments of many farmers who felt marginalized by the economic policies favoring large corporations. This idea was part of a broader Populist movement, which sought significant reforms to empower struggling farmers and laborers against the elite interests that dominated the economic landscape of the time.