Self-sufficiency

Definition

Self-sufficiency refers to the ability of a community or individual to fulfill their own needs without reliance on external sources. This concept was especially important in the context of expanding settlements, as communities sought to be independent from larger markets and supply chains, promoting local production and subsistence living. In New England, self-sufficiency influenced social structures, agricultural practices, and economic relationships, as settlers established farms and crafts that could sustain their families and communities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New England settlers often engaged in subsistence farming, growing crops such as corn, beans, and squash that were crucial for their survival.
2. Self-sufficient communities relied heavily on local resources and skilled craftsmanship to produce necessary goods, which reduced dependence on trade with distant markets.
3. The harsh climate and rocky soil of New England forced settlers to innovate and adapt their agricultural techniques to achieve self-sufficiency.
4. Social structures within these communities were often organized around family units and mutual aid, reinforcing self-sufficiency through cooperative labor.
5. Self-sufficiency contributed to regional differences in New England settlements, as some areas became more specialized in certain crafts or agricultural products based on local resources.

Review Questions

• How did self-sufficiency influence the social structures of New England settlements?
  • Self-sufficiency shaped social structures by fostering close-knit communities where families relied on each other for labor and support. Settlers often formed cooperatives for tasks such as harvesting or building, reinforcing communal bonds. These interdependent relationships were crucial for survival in a challenging environment, highlighting the importance of collaboration in achieving self-reliance.
• In what ways did the geographic features of New England affect the pursuit of self-sufficiency among settlers?
  • The geographic features of New England, such as its rocky terrain and harsh winters, directly impacted settlers' methods of achieving self-sufficiency. The challenging soil required innovative farming techniques like crop rotation and the use of specific crops suited for shorter growing seasons. These adaptations not only ensured survival but also influenced the types of goods produced locally, leading to a distinct regional economy focused on self-reliance.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of self-sufficiency on the economic development of New England compared to other colonial regions.
  • The emphasis on self-sufficiency in New England had significant long-term impacts on its economic development compared to other colonial regions that relied more heavily on cash crops and external trade. While regions like the South focused on plantation economies dependent on slavery and export agriculture, New England developed a diversified economy based on small farms, craftsmanship, and trade networks that facilitated local production. This fostered a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that ultimately laid the groundwork for industrialization in the 19th century, distinguishing it from the more agrarian-focused economies of other areas.

Related terms

Subsistence Farming: A type of farming where individuals grow enough food to feed themselves and their families, often leaving little to sell or trade.

Barter System: An economic system where goods and services are exchanged directly for other goods and services without using money.

Craftsmanship: The skill of creating handmade goods, which became essential in self-sufficient communities for producing tools, clothing, and household items.