Final answer:
A farmer's childhood in the late 19th century was influenced by seasonal agricultural work and significant historical events such as the Civil War. They faced challenges like harsh weather and economic hardships but were not burdened by some of the extreme debt conditions of earlier times. 'Land poor' farmers held land but had limited cash, evidencing the financial struggles at certain periods.
Step-by-step explanation:
Farmer's Childhood and Major Historical Events
The subject of the question could refer to a general farmer's experience, which varied widely depending on the time period and location. If we are discussing the childhood of a farmer during the late 19th century, we must consider that many farmers lived in rural areas and led lives dictated by the seasonal cycles of planting and harvesting. During this time, major events such as the Civil War and the aftermath had profound impacts on farming life. The U.S. government promoted western migration during the Civil War to bolster economic growth and political stability in the West. Despite the hardships that would await them, this movement led to significant agricultural expansion.
However, not all hardships were prevalent for an American farmer building a homestead in the Midwest. While they faced challenges like unpredictable weather and isolation, some farmers were spared from issues such as the exorbitant interest rates on seed loans that plagued poorer farmers in historical societies like Han times. The early days of farming in the United States before the Industrial Revolution involved large family units that produced most of their consumables.
Yet, despite some of the struggles, farmers were often 'land poor', meaning they had land but little cash. During and after the Civil War, the system of credit and debt became strained due to reduced farm production and scarce supplies. The iconic image of the 'Migrant Mother' during the Great Depression further exemplifies the extreme hardships faced by many American farmers throughout history.