Which movement focused on defending farmers against middlemen, trusts, and railroads?

The movement that primarily focused on defending farmers against middlemen, trusts, and railroads is the Populist movement. This movement emerged in the late 19th century, particularly in the 1890s, and sought to address the grievances of farmers who felt exploited by powerful economic interests. The Populists advocated for various reforms, including the regulation of railroad rates, the establishment of a graduated income tax, and the introduction of the direct election of senators. They aimed to empower farmers economically and politically, standing against what they viewed as a corrupt system dominated by wealthy elites and corporations.

The National Grange movement, while it did seek to improve the conditions of farmers and promote agricultural education, primarily functioned as a social organization and cooperative rather than a political movement aimed at broader economic reforms. The Farmers' Alliances, which preceded the Populist movement, also laid the groundwork for these ideas but were more focused on cooperative buying and selling practices among farmers.

The Progressive movement arose later and encompassed a broader range of social and political reforms, targeting various issues including labor rights, social justice, and corruption in government, but it was not exclusively centered on defending farmers. Thus, while the National Grange and Farmers' Alliances contributed to the