Final answer:
The success of large 'bonanza farms' was due to economies of scale, advanced machinery, strategic use of railroad networks, and favorable economic policies. Technological advancements allowed for higher productivity and efficiency, while government policies influenced crop prices and usage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The success of large, commercial 'bonanza farms' during the 19th century can be attributed to a mix of technological advancements, changes in land use patterns, and economic strategies. Large farms benefitted from the economy of scale which allowed them to make significant investments in machinery like threshing machines, plows, and mechanical reapers, which were not as accessible to smaller, family-run farms. Additionally, the development of railroad networks facilitated these farms in obtaining supplies and distributing their large yields more efficiently and over greater distances.
Advancements in technology played a significant role in increasing the yield per hour of human labor, enabling a single farm worker to produce enough food for many people. For instance, Cyrus McCormick's mechanical reaper and John Deere's improvements to the plow allowed for rapid harvesting and efficient plowing of the extensive prairie lands, converting them into productive farmland. These improvements in productivity reduced the cost of food and provided greater supplies to meet the demands of growing urban populations.
Lastly, economic factors such as government policies influenced farming practices. For example, while US farm policy inflated the price of granulated sugar, it simultaneously reduced the cost of corn, encouraging its use in different sectors including cattle feeding and biofuels. This demonstrated the interconnectedness of agricultural production with broader economic policies and practices which differentiated the capabilities of 'large farms' in comparison to their smaller counterparts.