viii PREFACE 



to the most radical elements of industrial labor for 

 sympathy and support. The labor governments 

 in most of the countries of Europe at the time were 

 strongly socialistic and had been swept into power 

 through the combined influences of the rural and 

 industrial elements in the population. 



It was quite obvious that the unrest in the rural 

 sections of Europe was the result of about the same 

 conditions that had caused widespread dissatisfac- 

 tion in this country. It was apparent that almost a 

 world-wide agrarian revolution was in progress. 

 The fact that it was largely bloodless in no wise 

 made it less a reality. Farmers everywhere had not 

 only become thoroughly aroused to their economic 

 difficulties, but had become definitely committed to 

 a program of relief. Naturally the elements in this 

 program varied in detail, but the motives that actu- 

 ated them were the same. 



The writer became very much impressed with the 

 profound significance of this agrarian movement. 

 It was easy to realize that our economic and social 

 institutions, as well as our governmental policies, 

 were to be profoundly influenced by this world-wide 

 movement of agricultural producers. 



It seemed that a survey of this situation might 

 be desirable. Much has been written in recent years 

 on various aspects of this subject. A review in 

 detail of any particular agrarian movement has not 

 been attempted in this volume. This service has 

 been satisfactorily performed by competent authori- 



