Search Results Farmers And Fishermen: Two Centuries Of Work In Essex County, Massachusetts, 1630–1850

Farmers and Fisherman

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Farmers and Fisherman

Introduction

In this piece of work, the author Daniel Vickers observes how the laborers during the period of colonization changed their way of life, and how they evolved during the industrialization era. The European system of labor provides the basis on which the colonists made their life dependable. This fact made it possible for them to rely less on new labors and slaves. As we all know that our world keeps evolving consistently and it was evident at that time that settlements and colonization of new plains of America were advancing as well. This is where the importance of farmers and fishermen increased as the scarcity of land increased. Fishermen and farmers of Massachusetts started working on hourly and weekly wages, which helped them land jobs during the golden era of industrialization. Vickers deeply observed the relationship between employer and employee and the conditions under which they all worked for the employers. A detailed explanation of the industry of farms and fishery explains how the lives of farmers and fishermen functioned along with major deterioration in terms of economy. This paper will discuss “Farmers and Fishermen: Two centuries of works in Essex County, Massachusetts” in-depth.

Discussion

This book helps reflect on the importance of farmers and fishermen very well. An understanding of the complete history of Essex County is required to understand the prospects of industrialization. This is what Daniel Vickers has shown in his book. There were many farmers available in England. However, the availability of farmers in New England was very scarce. The landlords were mainly dependent on the labor of their sons to keep the land irrigated. Furthermore, this fact made it possible for their families to enjoy a normal living. It was not just farming but clearing vastly expanded forests and harvesting were also under the calculation of these people and their sons. However, from 1700 through 1775, the industry of farming and harvesting underwent significant changes. A sense of independence was felt for the first time among the youth. This observation of Vickers is very important as it shows how much land was available for new settlers. Having said that, there were not many slaves or farmers who were ready to work under capital wages. People were eager to work on lands in return for getting certain services. At first, it was difficult for people to work on the land or acquire a piece of property. However, after the transformation, youth was able to make a name for themselves by making more money and marrying early. Vickers describes that new settlers were looking to acquire land but were not eager to work for it. Farming at that time was different and considered very harsh and physically demanding. Being close to the ocean, the farmers started fishing along with harvesting and plowing as well. The cultivation of corn and English grass became very famous as it fed both families and animals.

The fishery was an important factor behind the success of New England County as it provided a lot of capital to the population there. Though, fishermen started leaving or quitting their jobs as merchants stopped paying them in advance. The advance payment was essential for fishermen. They would make use of the payments on their ships and boats. The money that merchants made was being spent on large ships so they can have their own ventures. Merchants were hiring fishermen but not for fishing. This made the fishing market collapse slowly. From here, the fishermen started enrolling themselves in the military and some of them started working as labors. Vickers has made strong observations about the circumstances of the families that were facing an economic crisis at the hands of merchants. Much of the fleet that was required for fishing was destroyed by storms in the year of 1846. New settlers were being deprived of their livelihood by their own kind. The production and manufacturing of new boats and fleets gave fishermen chances of labor. The book observes in detail the conditions of farmers and fishermen, but many details are missing. This book was mainly written to make the readers understand the basic concept of industrialization in the sectors of farming and fishing with some history.

All colonies of the new America wanted economic independence and worked hard for it. Each colony or settlement had its own unique industry to work with and positively make use of those industries. Building and constructing houses, cultivation of land, leveling forests, and hunting and building livestock’s, all these were a basic requirement. Having said that, the settlers of New England had something different from other colonists. Even though the sectors of fishing and farming were not consistent, people were still getting paid more in this county.

This small description of the book by Daniel Vickers shows how the world during the period of colonization was changing. Further, the book reflects on the sectors of farming and fishing and how they influenced the lives of the people of New England County. The industrialization of different sectors in the county made it possible for the people to work with good wages. There is no doubt in the fact that fishermen and farmers played a significant role in making that happen. Vickers has really explained how different smaller aspects paved the path for greater evolution. The way that Vickers has explained everything showcases the research that has gone behind this book. The point he is trying to make comes across to the reader with great clarity. Further, the facts that have been presented by Vickers help strengthen his argument even more.

Conclusion

Vickers has created a very informational book by examining the shifting labor tactics that the colonists used when New England progressed from a chain of frontier settlements to a developed society that was close to industrialization. Vickers very logically explains how New England did not have the means to hire labor so, they adopted the labor system that was used by Europe. Using this tactic helped them manage the scarcities of wealth. As the nineteenth century approached, their world developed. The tweaks that they made in the labor settlement created a way for a complete economic transformation of the 19th century. Through this book, Vickers very effectively reconstructs the work experience of numerous fishermen and farmers. He sheds light on everything by telling the reader; who worked for whom and what were the applied terms and conditions for the settlements. However, the scarcity of land forced the fishermen and farmers to look for ways to support themselves. They wanted a settlement through home manufacture and wage employment. As these adjustments were made and built, a new market emerged. This new labor market was adequate for the formation of industrialization. The way Vickers has explained the emergence of industrialization and the part that is played by the fishermen and farmers gives a great insight into the emergence of progress. The world works on continued progress and reading this book helped me see how a small change can cause a significant impact to the point that a new era begins as a result.

End Notes

Vickers, Daniel. Farmers and fishermen: two centuries of work in Essex County, Massachusetts, 1630-1850. UNC Press Books, 1994.