Question 1

Instructions: Identify the following. Be as specific as possible, and include names, dates, and relevant facts as appropriate. Be sure to explain the significance of the person or term. 
Grange, Oliver H. Kelley

Accepted Answer

The Grange, also known as the Patrons of Husbandry, was a social and educational organization for farmers that was founded in 1867 by Oliver H. Kelley. The Grange aimed to provide a sense of community and support for farmers, as well as to advocate for their interests in the face of economic and political challenges.

Oliver H. Kelley, a farmer and government clerk, was the founder of the Grange. He was inspired to create the organization after observing the isolation and struggles of rural farmers. The Grange provided a platform for farmers to come together, share knowledge, and collectively address issues such as unfair pricing and transportation costs.

The significance of the Grange and Oliver H. Kelley lies in their role in advocating for the rights and interests of farmers during a time of rapid industrialization and economic change in the United States. The organization also played a key role in promoting agricultural education and cooperative efforts among farmers. The Grange's influence extended to the passage of legislation that regulated railroad rates and protected farmers from unfair business practices. Overall, the Grange and Oliver H. Kelley were instrumental in empowering and uniting farmers during a critical period in American history.

Question 2

Instructions: Identify the following. Be as specific as possible, and include names, dates, and relevant facts as appropriate. Be sure to explain the significance of the person or term. 
Chester Arthur

Accepted Answer

Chester Alan Arthur (October 5, 1829 – November 18, 1886) was the 21st President of the United States, serving from September 19, 1881, to March 4, 1885. He ascended to the presidency after the assassination of President James A. Garfield, having been elected as the Vice President in 1880.

Arthur was born in Fairfield, Vermont, and was a graduate of Union College in Schenectady, New York. Before his vice presidency, he worked as a schoolteacher and lawyer. He became involved in Republican politics and was a staunch supporter of the Stalwart faction of the Republican Party, which opposed civil service reform and favored the traditional system of patronage.

His presidency is most noted for his surprising advocacy for reform. Despite his previous affiliation with the Stalwart faction, as president, Arthur enforced the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which established the Civil Service Commission and marked the beginning of the end for the widespread system of patronage in the federal government. This act mandated that government jobs should be awarded on the basis of merit, assessed through competitive exams, rather than political affiliation.

Arthur also worked on other reforms and modernization efforts. He supported the development of a modern American navy and vetoed the Rivers and Harbors Act, which he believed contained excessive and unnecessary spending. His administration also revised the U.S. tariff schedule.

Arthur's health declined during his presidency, and he did not actively seek re-election in 1884. He died of complications from a kidney condition known as Bright's disease less than two years after leaving office.

While Chester Arthur may not be one of the most well-known or transformative presidents in American history, his unexpected commitment to civil service reform and his efforts to modernize aspects of the federal government have positively impacted his legacy. His administration is often seen as a period of transition, moving away from the patronage and corruption that had characterized the Gilded Age towards a more professional federal bureaucracy.

Question 3

Instructions: Identify the following. Be as specific as possible, and include names, dates, and relevant facts as appropriate. Be sure to explain the significance of the person or term. 
Subtreasury Plan

Accepted Answer

The Subtreasury Plan was a proposal put forth by the Populist Party in the late 19th century, specifically in the 1890s. The plan called for the establishment of government-owned warehouses, or "subtreasuries," where farmers could store their crops and receive low-interest loans using the crops as collateral. This was intended to provide relief for farmers who were struggling with low crop prices and high interest rates on loans from private banks.

The significance of the Subtreasury Plan lies in its role as a key component of the Populist Party's platform, which aimed to address the economic hardships faced by farmers and rural communities. The plan reflected the party's commitment to advocating for the interests of the agrarian population and challenging the dominance of big business and financial institutions. While the Subtreasury Plan was not ultimately implemented, it remains an important part of the history of agrarian and populist movements in the United States.

Question 4

Instructions: Identify the following. Be as specific as possible, and include names, dates, and relevant facts as appropriate. Be sure to explain the significance of the person or term. 
Populist party

Accepted Answer