The Country-Life Movement in the United States

The Country-Life Movement in the United States argues that the central problem in American rural life is the need to make rural civilization as effective and satisfying as urban civilization, distinct from the "back-to-the-land" impulse. This requires a fundamental reconstruction of rural society for its existing inhabitants, not merely an influx of city dwellers seeking escape. The book identifies a "decline in rural population" and "abandoned farms" as symptoms of this disparity.

The book proposes three key movements to address this: an exhaustive study or survey of rural conditions, the organization of nationalized extension work, and a general campaign of rural progress. It highlights the "American contribution" as a democratic and expansive approach to agricultural education, extending to all ages, which aims to elevate country life through new purpose and methods. This effort seeks to "even up society as between country and city."

Key concepts

• Country-life movement — A global motive to equalize society between rural and urban areas, aiming to make rural civilization as effective and satisfying as urban civilization.
• Back-to-the-land agitation — A city or town impulse to escape urban life or for cities to find relief, distinct from and often antagonistic to the country-life movement.
• Taking inventory of country life — An exhaustive study or survey of all conditions surrounding farming and rural populations to assess resources and provide local knowledge.
• Nationalized extension work — A coordinated, nationwide program designed to promote rural progress and development.
• American contribution — A democratic and far-reaching purpose and method in agricultural education, unique in its aim to reach all people and improve country life.
• Two minds — Contrasting perspectives and ways of life observed between "town folk" and "country folk."

Popular questions readers ask

• Given that Bailey explicitly states the Country-Life Movement "is not a back-to-the-land movement," what fundamental problem or set of challenges does the book's structure suggest it *is* trying to solve, and how does this initial distinction shape our understanding of its overall purpose?
• How do the "three fundamental recommendations of the Commission" on Country Life connect with the broader educational initiatives, such as "agriculture in the public schools" and "a state extension program," to address both the "decline in rural population" and the "interrelations of city and country"?
• Consider the chapter titles "What is to be the Outcome of Our Industrial Civilization?" and "How Shall We Secure Community Life in the Open Country?" How does Bailey propose that the Country-Life Movement, encompassing diverse efforts like reclamation and women's contributions, can actively shape a "new society" rather than merely react to existing rural challenges?
• If you were explaining to a peer what Bailey means by "The Fundamental Question in American Country Life," how would you articulate this question and then use insights from chapters like "The Two Minds" (city and country) and "The New Farming" to elaborate on its complexity and importance?
• Bailey dedicates the book to a "Prophet of the Better Country Life." Based on the specific themes in the table of contents—from "The Woman's Outlook" to "Hamlet life" and "local politics"—describe what the "better country life" envisioned by the movement looks like, emphasizing its social and communal aspects beyond mere agricultural efficiency.