Wages of Independence : Capitalism in the Early American Republic

In this collection of essays, social and economic historians consider the rise of capitalism in the early American republic and demonstrate the centrality of common men and women as artisans, laborers, planters, and farmers in the dramatic transitions of the period.

America between the Revolution and the Civil War was a society in full adolescence. Vibrant, cocky, feeling its own strength, and ready to take on the world, America was driven by an upstart economy and a capitalist bravado. The early republic, argues Paul Gilje in his cogent introduction, was the crucial period in the development of that trademark characteristic of American society—modern capitalism. In this collection of essays, eight social and economic historians consider the rise of capitalism in the early American republic. Expanding upon traditional interpretations of economic development—encouraged and controlled by merchants and financiers—these essays demonstrate the centrality of common men and women as artisans, laborers, planters and farmers in the dramatic transitions of the period. They show how changes in the workshop, home, and farm were as crucial as those in banks and counting houses. Capping these fundamental changes was the rise of consumerism among Americans and the development of a "mentality of capitalism" that ensured the success of this new economic system—with all its benefits and costs. Contributing authors include Paul A. Gilje, Jeanne Boydston, Christopher Clark, Douglas R. Egerton, Cathy D. Matson, Jonathan Prude, Richard Stott, and Gordon S. Wood.