Society in the 19th Century
The economy of upper Canada in the 19th century largely revolved around farming. Almost everyone wanted to own or farm land and those that didn’t, worked in jobs that supported farming like selling seeds. Farming was difficult as farmers had to clear dense forests and build roads. They often had to go to remote areas with poor soil as much as the good land was already owned by absentee landlords and speculators. Farmers were often in debt and had to mortgage future crops to buy supplies. Many farmers depended on a barter economy where they would trade goods for services. The social interactions of the colonists included music at get togethers, church and building schools. They formed close relashinships to rely on each other. There were few roads, so people had to walk. The daily life was often quiet and dark. Candles, oil lamps, and the moon were used as light sources. The politics of upper Canada included strong ties with the British Empire. Colony and community leaders were loyalists, army officers, or Brithish upper class. The government tried to impose British rule and British law this created conflict with poor colonists. The government allowed speculators to buy large pieces of land at low prices for the Brithish upper class and introduced estate and tenant farmers. The government blocked off undeveloped blocks of land for the Anglican clergy. The First Nations tried to secure land for their people with little success.
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