Förstörelsens

Förstörelsens, also known as the Great Destruction, was a catastrophic event that occurred in the late 19th century, primarily affecting the agricultural sector in the United States. The term refers to the widespread destruction of farmland and the displacement of farmers, particularly those of Swedish descent, who were often referred to as "Swedes" or "Swedes of the Prairies." The event is closely associated with the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and the subsequent expansion of the Canadian Pacific Railway Act of 1881, which granted the CPR the right to acquire land in the Canadian Prairies.

The Great Destruction began in the late 1870s and continued through the 1880s. The CPR, seeking to expand its operations and secure a route to the Pacific Ocean, began acquiring vast tracts of land in the Canadian Prairies. This acquisition often involved the displacement of existing farmers, who were forced to relocate or sell their land at significantly reduced prices. The displaced farmers, many of whom were Swedish immigrants, faced severe economic hardships and social upheaval.

The event had profound social and economic impacts. The displacement of farmers led to the formation of new communities and the establishment of new agricultural practices. However, it also resulted in the loss of traditional farming communities and the disruption of established social structures. The Great Destruction is often studied as a case of land grabbing and its impact on rural communities, highlighting the complex interplay between economic development, land use, and social change.