Who was to blame for the problems of American farmers after the Civil War?

The problems faced by American farmers after the Civil War can be attributed to several factors, including the economic policies of the federal government, the rise of monopolistic practices in railroads and grain markets, and the harsh conditions of nature such as droughts. Additionally, the shift from a wartime economy to a peacetime economy led to deflation and falling crop prices, which further strained farmers' finances. While multiple parties contributed to these challenges, many farmers specifically blamed railroads for high shipping costs and middlemen for unfavorable pricing.