Agrarian ideals refer to the values and beliefs that promote rural life, agriculture, and land ownership as central to a society's economy and culture. These ideals often emphasize the importance of self-sufficiency, community, and the moral superiority of agrarian lifestyles compared to urbanization and industrialization. Within the context of foundational American thought, these ideals are closely linked to democratic principles, individual freedom, and a deep connection to the land.
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Thomas Jefferson believed that a nation of small farmers would promote democracy and virtue, seeing agrarian life as the backbone of American society.
Agrarian ideals often clash with industrialization, which Jefferson feared would lead to social decay and dependence on urban economies.
The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 established policies for land distribution that reflected agrarian values by promoting settlement and farming in the western territories.
In literature, agrarian ideals are often romanticized as representing purity, simplicity, and a closer connection to nature.
Agrarianism has been influential in shaping American policies regarding land use, agriculture subsidies, and rural development throughout history.
Review Questions
How do agrarian ideals influence the political philosophy of Jeffersonian Democracy?
Agrarian ideals are central to Jeffersonian Democracy, which values rural life and small-scale farming as essential to a healthy republic. Jefferson believed that independent farmers would be more virtuous and capable of self-governance compared to urban workers who might become dependent on others. This connection highlights the importance of land ownership and agricultural independence in promoting democratic values.
In what ways did agrarian ideals impact policies such as the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?
The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 was heavily influenced by agrarian ideals as it aimed to encourage settlement in the western territories through land distribution that favored small-scale farming. The ordinance not only established a framework for governance but also promoted education and land ownership as means for settlers to develop self-sufficient communities. This reflected the belief that agrarian life was foundational to the growth of democracy and virtue in America.
Evaluate the long-term implications of agrarian ideals on contemporary American society and its economy.
The long-term implications of agrarian ideals continue to resonate in contemporary American society, influencing debates around land use, agricultural policies, and rural community development. While industrialization has transformed the economy, the values associated with agrarianism—such as self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship—remain relevant in discussions about sustainability and local food movements. This ongoing tension between urbanization and agrarian values shapes how Americans view their relationship with land and community today.
Related terms
Jeffersonian Democracy: A political philosophy rooted in the ideas of Thomas Jefferson that emphasizes agrarianism, individual rights, and a limited federal government.
Manifest Destiny: The 19th-century doctrine that justified American expansion across the continent, often linked to agrarian ideals of land ownership and agricultural development.
Subsistence Farming: A type of farming where farmers grow enough food to feed themselves and their families, embodying the agrarian ideal of self-sufficiency.