A Level History - America - Practice Exam

What characterized the rise of agri-business in the American West?

1. The decline of small farms and increase in bonanza farms

2. The traditional practices of family-owned farms

3. The elimination of mechanization in farming

4. The dependence on local markets for sales

The correct answer is: The decline of small farms and increase in bonanza farms

The rise of agri-business in the American West is primarily characterized by the decline of small farms and the increase in bonanza farms. This transformation occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as larger agricultural enterprises emerged to dominate the market. Bonanza farms were extensive operations that utilized advanced technologies and economies of scale, which enabled them to produce crops more efficiently than traditional small farms. As these larger farms took over, many small family-owned farms struggled to compete due to their limited resources, leading to an economic shift where larger agri-businesses could provide lower prices and greater yields. This trend resulted in a significant consolidation within the agricultural sector, where fewer but larger farms controlled a substantial portion of the agricultural output, reflecting the broader industrialization and commercialization of agriculture during this period. While traditional practices of family-owned farms continued to exist, they became less economically viable in the face of burgeoning agri-businesses. Mechanization actually increased during this time, contrary to the suggestion of elimination, and the dependency of these large operations on vast markets, including national and global ones, diminished the importance of local market sales.