Political Divergence: A Brief History of the North Carolina Farmers’ Alliance

Abstract

The Farmers’ Alliance entered a North Carolina that teemed with agrarian activity. It was not the driver of unity or administer of organization, for local Clubs had already organized before it ever appeared. The Progressive Farmer acted as the early catalyst for organization as it promoted unity and highlighted concerns. However, shortly after the Alliance’s appearance in Wake County, it quickly spread throughout the state and eventually replaced local Clubs and the North Carolina Farmers’ Association. Local Clubs were organized into County Clubs before merging into the State Farmers’ Association.