Life and Views of a Western Farmer In the Late 1780s
After the Revolutionary War, the United States was in a state of economic chaos. Depression and inflation were prevalent as a result of the war. Established trading patterns were in disarray. The Congress had no power at this time under the Articles of Confederation. In the thirteen states, where power was centered, the separate currencies were in shambles. The United States was in need of a government with power and control because the Articles of Confederation were lacking many things and had left the government powerless. Life as a Western Farmer in the 1780s Life as a western Massachusetts farmer at this time was difficult to say the least. Farmers produced just enough from their land to support their families. If they were lucky and had a good year, there might be enough extra crops to sell or trade for goods. Farmers lived in the constant fear that they could lose their land and/or freedom to debt collectors. Unable to trade with foreign countries, the New England area merchants had to collect on loans made to farmers to make up for the lack of income from foreign trade. If the farmer could not pay the debt, his land coul
Views of the People in General on the Constitution The men who gathered to develop the Constitution were representatives of the commercial society that the farmers so despised. There were wealthy bankers, businessmen and lawyers present at the convention. Men such as James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and John Adams were in attendance. The working class and farmers were not represented in this group (Miller 12). Having been left out of participation and representation during the writing of the Constitution, how could the working class and farmers be heard or support the document that was being developed by the so-called enemy? Views of the Western Farmer on the Constitution Itself The events that were taking place in Philadelphia would have been of great concern to the farmer. Though he may not support everything in the Constitution, it is conceivable that he may have supported certain provisions of the Constitution.
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1324
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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