Triple-a plowed under

Definition

Triple-a plowed under refers to a significant agricultural policy during the Great Depression aimed at stabilizing crop prices by paying farmers to reduce their production. This approach was part of a broader effort to address the economic crisis by limiting supply to increase demand, directly connecting to the evolution of government intervention in agriculture and economic policy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The triple-a plowed under initiative was part of the broader Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) designed to combat the economic devastation of the Great Depression.
2. By incentivizing farmers to plow under crops, the government aimed to decrease supply and raise market prices, ultimately stabilizing the agricultural economy.
3. This policy faced criticism as it led to the destruction of food resources while many people were struggling with hunger during the Great Depression.
4. The concept illustrates the conflict between economic theory and social reality, where ideal policies may not account for the immediate human impact on communities.
5. Triple-a plowed under marked a significant shift toward greater government involvement in agricultural practices and set a precedent for future agricultural policies.

Review Questions

• How did the triple-a plowed under initiative reflect the government's response to the economic challenges of the Great Depression?
  • The triple-a plowed under initiative exemplified the government's effort to stabilize the agricultural sector during the Great Depression by controlling crop supply. By paying farmers to reduce production, it aimed to raise prices in an effort to alleviate economic hardship in rural areas. This policy was indicative of a shift toward more aggressive government intervention in managing economic crises.
• Discuss the implications of the triple-a plowed under policy on food supply and hunger during its implementation.
  • While the triple-a plowed under policy was designed to stabilize agricultural prices, its implementation had profound implications for food supply and hunger. As farmers were incentivized to destroy crops, this led to significant food shortages at a time when many Americans were already struggling with poverty and hunger due to the Great Depression. The policy sparked debates about ethical considerations in agricultural management and highlighted tensions between economic strategies and human welfare.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the triple-a plowed under policy on modern agricultural policies and government intervention.
  • The long-term effects of the triple-a plowed under policy have shaped modern agricultural practices by establishing a framework for government involvement in farming economics. It set a precedent for future agricultural policies that balance supply management with price stabilization efforts. Moreover, this policy influenced contemporary discussions about food security, sustainability, and the role of government in agriculture, making it a foundational aspect of how agricultural economics are understood today.

Related terms

Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA): A U.S. federal law enacted in 1933 that aimed to boost agricultural prices by reducing surpluses through crop production control and financial incentives for farmers.

Dust Bowl: A severe drought and ecological disaster in the 1930s that significantly affected agriculture in the U.S. Great Plains, leading to massive crop failures and displacement of farming communities.

New Deal: A series of programs and reforms introduced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, aiming to provide relief, recovery, and reform to the American economy.