The Grange was also more conservative in its approach

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 109 views

Introduction

The Grange, also known as the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, was a fraternal organization that emerged in the United States in the late 19th century. Formed in 1867, the Grange was a response to the growing labor movement, particularly the Knights of Labor, which was a prominent labor union at the time. In this article, we will explore the history of the Grange, its relationship with the Knights of Labor, and its impact on American society.

The Knights of Labor: A Growing Labor Movement

The Knights of Labor was a labor union that was founded in 1869 by Uriah Stephens and a group of Philadelphia workers. The organization's primary goal was to improve working conditions and wages for laborers. The Knights of Labor was known for its radical approach to labor rights, advocating for an eight-hour workday, equal pay for equal work, and the abolition of child labor. The organization's membership grew rapidly, reaching over 700,000 members by the late 1880s.

The Grange: A Response to the Knights of Labor

The Grange was formed in 1867 by Oliver Hudson Kelley, a farmer from Minnesota. Kelley was concerned about the growing labor movement and the potential impact on agriculture. He believed that the Grange could provide a more effective and peaceful way to address labor issues, rather than the radical approach of the Knights of Labor. The Grange's primary goal was to improve the lives of farmers and rural workers, advocating for better working conditions, higher wages, and greater access to education and credit.

Key Differences between the Grange and the Knights of Labor

While both organizations shared similar goals, there were significant differences between the Grange and the Knights of Labor. The Grange was more focused on agriculture and rural issues, whereas the Knights of Labor was a broader labor union that represented workers from various industries. The Grange was also more conservative in its approach, advocating for gradual reforms rather than radical changes. The Grange's membership was also more diverse, including farmers, rural workers, and even some urban workers.

Impact of the Grange on American Society

The Grange had a significant impact on American society, particularly in the rural areas. The organization's advocacy for better working conditions and higher wages helped to improve the lives of farmers and rural workers. The Grange also played a key role in promoting education and credit for rural communities, helping to establish schools, libraries, and credit unions. The Grange's influence extended beyond agriculture, as it helped to shape the broader labor movement and advocate for workers' rights.

Decline of the Grange

Despite its significant impact, the Grange began to decline in the early 20th century. The organization's membership declined rapidly, from over 1 million members in the late 19th century to just a few thousand by the mid-20th century. The Grange's conservative approach and lack of radicalism made it less appealing to younger workers, who were increasingly drawn to more radical labor organizations. The Grange's decline was also accelerated by the rise of other labor organizations, such as the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO).

Conclusion

The Grange was a significant organization in American history, emerging as a response to the growing labor movement, particularly the Knights of Labor. The Grange's advocacy for better working conditions and higher wages helped to improve the lives of farmers and rural workers. The organization's influence extended beyond agriculture, shaping the broader labor movement and advocating for workers' rights. While the Grange declined in the early 20th century, its legacy continues to be felt in American society today.

References

Kelley, O. H. (1876). The National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry: Its History, Principles, and Objects. Washington, D.C.: National Grange.
Foner, E. (1979). The Great Labor Uprising of 1877. New York: Columbia University Press.
Hofstadter, R. (1955). The Age of Reform: From Bryan to F.D.R. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

Introduction

The Grange, also known as the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, was a fraternal organization that emerged in the United States in the late 19th century. Formed in 1867, the Grange was a response to the growing labor movement, particularly the Knights of Labor, which was a prominent labor union at the time. In this Q&A article, we will explore the history of the Grange, its relationship with the Knights of Labor, and its impact on American society.

Q&A

Q: What was the primary goal of the Grange? A: The primary goal of the Grange was to improve the lives of farmers and rural workers, advocating for better working conditions, higher wages, and greater access to education and credit.

Q: How did the Grange differ from the Knights of Labor? A: The Grange was more focused on agriculture and rural issues, whereas the Knights of Labor was a broader labor union that represented workers from various industries. The Grange was also more conservative in its approach, advocating for gradual reforms rather than radical changes.

Q: What was the impact of the Grange on American society? A: The Grange had a significant impact on American society, particularly in the rural areas. The organization's advocacy for better working conditions and higher wages helped to improve the lives of farmers and rural workers. The Grange also played a key role in promoting education and credit for rural communities, helping to establish schools, libraries, and credit unions.

Q: Why did the Grange decline in the early 20th century? A: The Grange's decline was due to a combination of factors, including its conservative approach and lack of radicalism, which made it less appealing to younger workers. The rise of other labor organizations, such as the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), also contributed to the Grange's decline.

Q: What is the legacy of the Grange in American society today? A: The Grange's legacy continues to be felt in American society today. The organization's advocacy for workers' rights and its promotion of education and credit for rural communities have had a lasting impact on American society.

Q: What can we learn from the Grange's history? A: The Grange's history teaches us the importance of advocating for workers' rights and promoting education and credit for rural communities. It also highlights the need for labor organizations to be adaptable and responsive to the changing needs of workers.

Additional Resources

Kelley, O. H. (1876). The National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry: Its History, Principles, and Objects. Washington, D.C.: National Grange.
Foner, E. (1979). The Great Labor Uprising of 1877. New York: Columbia University Press.
Hofstadter, R. (1955). The Age of Reform: From Bryan to F.D.R. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Grange? The Grange was a fraternal organization that emerged in the United States in the late 19th century.
What was the primary goal of the Grange? The primary goal of the Grange was to improve the lives of farmers and rural workers, advocating for better working conditions, higher wages, and greater access to education and credit.
How did the Grange differ from the Knights of Labor? The Grange was more focused on agriculture and rural issues, whereas the Knights of Labor was a broader labor union that represented workers from various industries.
What was the impact of the Grange on American society? The Grange had a significant impact on American society, particularly in the rural areas.

The Knights of Labor: A History
The American Federation of Labor (AFL)
The Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO)