The Bank of North Dakota: Economic Independence
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
The frustration of farmers at the stranglehold Twin Cities and corporate business had on transportation, finance, and milling led to the rise of the Non-Partisan League. The NPL-controlled legislature pass several bills providing support to farmers, including creation of the only state-owned bank in the country.
Farmers were able to make a living in North Dakota, but much of their income was determined by the decisions of business interests from the Twin Cities. Farmers wanted more influence over the price of grain and the interest on farm loans. The co-op movement, Populism and Progressivism failed in North Dakota. A. C. Townley’s Non-Partisan League appealed to many farmers seeking a way to take control of their economic futures.
Producer
Kim Stenehjem (Producer); Lee Westad (Editor); R. Cadwell, D. Geck, T. Jensen, L. Westad (Videlgaphers); Bob Dambach (Executive Producer).
Source
The Bank of North Dakota [Documentary]. USA: Prairie Public Broadcasting (2005).
Grade Level
3 - 12
Subject Matter
Social Studies
Standards
Describe how community life has changed from past (i.e., pioneer and tribal) to the present
Identify similarities and differences between past events and current events in North Dakota (e.g., in the lives of people from different cultures past and present)
Use chronological order and sequence to describe the cause-and-effect relationships of historical events and periods in North Dakota (e.g., how the railroads led to settlements in the state)
Explain the significance of agriculture in North Dakota history (e.g., immigration, railroads)
Explain how individuals and institutions influence one another (e.g., social processes, peaceful and violent demonstrations, picketing, protests, petitions, group affiliation, citizenship, voting)
Analyze the transformation of the nation (e.g., Imperialism, industrialization, immigration, political/social reformers, urbanization, mechanization of agriculture, changing business environment)
Describe factors (e.g., climate, population, tax laws, natural resources) governing economic decision making in North Dakota and other regions (e.g., Midwest, Southeast)
Evaluate the impact of various factors that led to the transformation of the nation (e.g., imperialism, industrialization, immigration, political/social reformers, urbanization, mechanization of agriculture, changing business environment)
Analyze the role government plays in an economy (e.g., provision of public goods and services, taxes, protection of property rights, resolution of market failures)
