Thomas Jefferson on Agrarianism and Manufacturing

Thomas Jefferson and the Agrarian Ideal, 1787

State of American Commerce and Manufacturing

Jefferson observes that the United States had minimal internal trade and its external commerce suffered due to ongoing conflicts. He notes that Americans manufactured essential clothing items within their families, with cotton items being comparable to European manufactures. However, wool, flax, and hemp products were coarse and unappealing. Despite this, he argues that Americans favored agriculture and preferred exchanging raw materials for finer European manufactures.

Critique of European Economic Principles

Jefferson challenges the European economic principle that every state should manufacture for itself. He argues that this principle is applied to America without considering the differing circumstances. In Europe, land is either cultivated or inaccessible, forcing people to resort to manufacturing to support the surplus population. In contrast, America has an abundance of land available for cultivation. He poses the question of whether it is better for all citizens to be employed in agriculture or for half to engage in manufacturing and handicraft.

The Agrarian Ideal

Jefferson idealizes those who labor in the earth as "the chosen people of God," suggesting they possess substantial and genuine virtue. He sees agriculture as the source of a sacred fire that sustains morality. He posits that corruption of morals is rare among cultivators, unlike those who depend on the "casualties and caprice of customers" for their livelihood. This dependence, he argues, leads to subservience, venality, and the suppression of virtue, making individuals susceptible to ambition.

Proportion and Corruption

Jefferson asserts that the proportion of non-agricultural citizens to agricultural citizens reflects the degree of corruption within a state. He believes that a larger non-agricultural population correlates with a less healthy state. He cautions against encouraging citizens to work in manufacturing while there is land to cultivate, suggesting that workshops should remain in Europe.

Preference for European Workshops

He suggests it is preferable to transport raw materials to European workmen rather than bringing the workmen to America, along with their manners and principles. While there may be losses due to transatlantic transportation, he asserts that these are offset by the gains in happiness and the permanence of government.

Mobs and Degeneracy

Jefferson equates the mobs of great cities to sores on the human body, detracting from the strength of pure government. He emphasizes that the manners and spirit of a people are crucial for preserving a republic. Degeneracy in these areas, he warns, will erode the laws and constitution.

Source

Taken from Thomas Jefferson's Notes on the State of Virginia, London: J. Stockdale, 1787, query XIX, pp. 276-277.