What was the primary goal of agrarian groups?

• A. Campaign to end unfair credit practices and railroad monopolies to make low-interest loans for farmers.
• B. Organize urban workers into unions.
• C. Promote industrial growth through tariffs.
• D. Support large-scale manufacturing investments.

Answer: (A)

Agrarian groups formed to reduce farmers’ economic vulnerability by fighting unfair credit practices and the railroad monopolies that controlled shipping and pricing. They believed that secure, low-interest loans and affordable, fair transportation costs would relieve debt pressure and stabilize rural communities. This focus on credit terms and railroad regulation reflects the core grievances of movements like the Grange and Farmers’ Alliances, which sought to empower farmers financially and curb the power of lenders and railroads. The other aims—organizing urban workers, promoting tariffs for industrial growth, or backing large-scale manufacturing investments—were not the primary focus of these rural reform movements.