Yeoman Farmers
Definition
Yeoman farmers were small landowning farmers who worked their own land and usually did not own slaves. They were typically self-sufficient, emphasizing subsistence farming.
Analogy
You can think about yeoman farmers as being similar to modern-day DIY enthusiasts. Just like these hobbyists prefer doing things on their own rather than hiring others or buying pre-made items, yeoman farmers preferred working on their own lands without relying on slave labor.
Related terms
Subsistence Farming: This type farming involves growing enough food for one family or village's survival but not much more for selling or trading.
Free Soil Party: A political party active during 1848-1852 whose main purpose was opposing slavery in western territories which had been acquired during Mexican-American War.
Homestead Act: An act passed by Congress in 1862 granting public lands to small farmers at low cost.
"Yeoman Farmers" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (2)
- Who were Yeoman farmers?
- How did views towards slavery differ between yeoman farmers and plantation owners within southern society during this period?
Resources
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