The Economy of Colonial America

Viac o knihe

The colonial era offers a fascinating study in economic contrasts, marked by dynamic population growth and geographical expansion without major famines, epidemics, or wars to hinder progress. Despite this growth, economic behaviors remained consistent among key occupational groups—farmers, planters, merchants, artisans, indentured servants, and slaves—who fulfilled similar roles throughout the period. Structural changes in the colonial economy evolved gradually, with few new institutions or technologies emerging to disrupt the stability of this affluent commercial-agricultural society, aside from the adoption of black slavery. Living standards rose steadily at a rate of 3 to 5 percent per decade after 1650, with monetary figures adjusted to 1980 dollars for relevance. The focus primarily reflects the economic lifestyles of free white society, with "colonists" synonymous with European inhabitants, while one chapter addresses the experiences of indentured servants and slaves. This work represents the author's insights into the colonial economy's key features and their connection to society and the independence movement. Revised to incorporate recent research, it includes a new chapter on women in the economy, presenting up-to-date information in a concise style that surveys population growth, occupational groups, taxes, the monetary system, and living standards for typical families.