As America declared itself independent in 1776, we will begin our study here. Agriculture had long been established in the American colonies, but the influence of agriculture in America starts here, 1776. At this time, 90% of the American work force were farmers, tobacco was the major cash crop, accounting for 44% of our country’s total exports. Most farms were around 200 acres and used for subsistence food production. Tools were crude and difficult to use; the tools used had not changed in nearly 2000 years. Britain’s taxes on agricultural exports, combined with restrictions on western expansion lead farmers, again 90% of the workforce, to support the revolution and see it through. As an effect of this, the Continental Congress of 1776 offered land grants to those who served in the Continental Army. Agriculture was and always will be an important part of American culture.
Of course agriculture in Early America cannot be discussed without the mention of slavery. Agriculture drove the slave trade and slave trade drove agriculture in America. While abolishing slavery was considered when shaping our new nation, it was left untouched, left for future generations to deal with. So here we are, a new nation, a nation of farmers, and a nation with slaves.
Sources:
1. http://www.agclassroom.org/gan/timeline/17_18.htm
2. http://thecripplegate.com/was-the-american-revolution-sinful/
Of course agriculture in Early America cannot be discussed without the mention of slavery. Agriculture drove the slave trade and slave trade drove agriculture in America. While abolishing slavery was considered when shaping our new nation, it was left untouched, left for future generations to deal with. So here we are, a new nation, a nation of farmers, and a nation with slaves.
Sources:
1. http://www.agclassroom.org/gan/timeline/17_18.htm
2. http://thecripplegate.com/was-the-american-revolution-sinful/