Final answer:
The artist featured a farmer under a banner with the dates 1776 and 1876 to symbolize the role of agriculture in the U.S. from its independence to its centennial, highlighting the struggles faced by farmers and the importance of farmer reform groups such as the Grangers and the Farmers' Alliance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reason the artist featured a farmer under a banner with the dates 1776 and 1876 is likely to represent the importance and influence of farming and agricultural communities in the United States over its first century as a nation. The year 1776 signifies the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the nation, while 1876 marks its centennial. By showcasing a farmer, the image emphasizes the agricultural roots of the country and the significance of farmers in American history. Such representations promote the farmer reform groups like the Grangers and the Farmers' Alliance, which arose in response to economic struggles faced by farmers due to industrialization, railroad monopolies, and financial issues. The banner encapsulates a century of progress and challenges and often conveys a message of the persistence and resilience of the farmer in the American landscape.
The images would be popular in Great Britain post-Revolutionary War as they contrasted the pastoral and agrarian life in America with the industrialization of Great Britain, and they could imply to Americans a sense of pride in their land and independence, as well as bringing attention to the issues of the era faced by agrarian communities.