WALTON/ROCKOFF, Chapter 15 (pp. 285-301):

1. Describe the federal land policy in the late 19th century.

2. What were the causes of the dramatic increase in the productivity of labor in agriculture
during this period?

3. What economic problems did the farmers face during this period?

4. What were the causes of these problems, according to the farmers?

5. In what ways does the evidence presented by new economic historians contradict
the complaints of the farmers? Do you agree with these criticisms?


6. Describe the various political organizations of farmers during this period.
What were the main goals of each organization?
How successful was each in achieving its goals?

WALTON/ROCKOFF, Chapter 19 (pp. 374-83):

1. Summarize the controversy over whether the US should return to the gold standard
after the Civil War.

2. Summarize the controversy over silver.