Abstract

This paper examines how actions takenby Grange leaders to stay as a strong and neutral interest group in theelection of 1873 created a path for Republicans to stay in power, despite thefarmers’ political revolt. By 1873 Farmers in Iowa were suffering under highcosts of transportation and low returns on crops. Cash strapped farmers floodedthe Grange and grew its membership to a substantial and powerful size. Leaderswithin the Grange wielded its size as a tool for reform at the state level. Yetthe sheer size of the movement in Iowa threatened to cause its downfall as theelection of 1873 and partisanship threatened to divide the Grange. Grangeleaders, seeing the division on the horizon, moved to maintain the order as aneutral interest group and discouraged the Grange's direct involvement inpartisanship. By analyzing Governor Carpenter's correspondence, publishedletters to the Iowa Homestead, newspapers, secretary books of the Grange, andsecondary sources, this paper shows that the neutrality Grange leaders took tomaintain undercut a more radical anti-establishment element of the farmerrevolt and helped Republicans survive the election. 

How to Cite:

Gillund, C., (2026) “Growing Pains: Keeping the Grange Out of Partisan Politics in The Face of The 1873 Iowa General Election And Its Consequences On Agrarian Third Party Movements in Iowa”, Iowa Historical Review 12(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.17077/2373-1842.33941