The document discusses the settlement of Minnesota in the late 19th century, particularly the arrival of farmers, known as sodbusters, who began farming on the prairies. It asks questions about what changed Minnesota's landscape, what subsistence and diversified farming are, and the roles of men, women, and children on farms. It also mentions the positive and negative impacts of railroads on western Minnesota and the importance of the Grange agricultural cooperative in providing farmers a market and support.

1. Social Studies
Chapter 10
Sodbusters

2. What changed the landscape of
Minnesota?
What is subsistence farming?
Why did new settlers come to Minnesota in
the 1870s and 1880s?
Did railroad inspectors always treat farmers
fairly?
What was it about the sod that served to
protect the rich soil below?

3. What was the purpose of the Grange and
other cooperatives?
What was Sarah Tainter’s job on the farm?
What was John Tainter’s job on the farm?
What did “Empire Builder” James E. Hill
own?
What did organizer, Oliver H. Kelly start?
Speculator, Louis Fertile made a large

4. Give evidence to support this statement:
The arrival of the railroads had both a
positive and a negative effect on western
Minnesota.
Good -
Bad -

5. Why did farmers need a market for their
cash crops?
Why was the Grange important?
Who was settling in Minnesota after the
Civil War? Why?
What were some of the different ways that
settlers could get land?

6. What types of work did men, women and
children do on the farm?
Explain what subsistence farming is and
what diversified farming is? Give details
about both.

7. What types of work did men, women and
children do on the farm?
Explain what subsistence farming is and
what diversified farming is? Give details
about both.