Final answer:
The Grange and the Farmers' Alliances supported the interests of farmers primarily by fighting against monopolistic practices and promoting agricultural education. They established cooperatives for better buying and shipping rates and advocated for legislation to protect farmers. These efforts contributed to the groundwork for the formation of the Populist Party, which aimed to address the economic challenges faced by farmers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Grange and the Farmer's Alliances played significant roles in supporting the interests of farmers in the late 19th century. Notably, the Grange, initially formed as the Patrons of Husbandry, focused on helping farmers by creating cooperatives for better rates from railroads and businesses and successfully secured federal regulation of monopolistic grain elevators. Meanwhile, the Farmers' Alliances educated farmers on issues like low interest rates and government control over railroads, peaking at around 4 million members. They also advocated politically for broader agricultural reforms, including the direct election of U.S Senators and loan programs to balance food costs.
Fighting against monopolistic practices and promoting agricultural education were among the primary ways these organizations supported farmers. By establishing cooperative stores, grain elevators, and mills, and by securing legislation to protect farmers from monopolistic practices of banks and railroads, they aimed to increase the farmers' bargaining power and overall economic stability. Additionally, the education and political activism provided by these groups were instrumental in forming the Populist Party, which further championed farmers' rights on a national political stage.