What led to the rise of the Nonpartisan League in North Dakota?

The Nonpartisan League (NPL) emerged in North Dakota primarily due to widespread discontent among farmers regarding the economic power wielded by grain merchants and other agrarian elites. During the early 20th century, many farmers felt exploited by these merchants who controlled prices and often charged high fees for their services. As agriculture became more commercialized, the economic vulnerability of farmers intensified, leading to feelings of disenfranchisement.

Farmers sought collective action to address these issues, advocating for policies that would allow them greater control over the marketing of their crops and access to credit. The rise of the NPL was a response to the frustration over the monopolistic behavior of grain companies, aiming to establish a more equitable agricultural system. Its initiatives included promoting the creation of state-owned grain elevators and establishing cooperative ventures that would empower farmers by reducing reliance on private merchants.

While factors like advancements in farming technology, favorable weather conditions, and the expansion of railroad networks significantly impacted agricultural development, they did not directly catalyze the founding of the Nonpartisan League. Instead, it was the economic inequities that motivated farmers to unite for reform, making this choice the most accurate in explaining the league's rise.