Land, Power, and Economics on the Frontier of Upper Canada (Volume 194) (Carleton Library Series) - Softcover

Clarke, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0773521941 ISBN 13: 9780773521940

Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press, 2002

Synopsis

The prevailing ideology in Ontario at the time was a conservative culture that rejected everything American and attempted to preserve the best of the British world in the new Eden. Those building the state believed that a social and political hierarchy composed of those possessing a "natural virtue" would serve society best. In consequence, a few individuals at the top of the hierarchy, through their access to power, came to control the bulk of the land, the basis of the economy. At the other end of the spectrum from the elite were those transforming the land and themselves through their own labour. How did the physical environment and government land policy affect the pattern of settlement and the choice of land for a viable farm? What was the price of land, and how common was credit? Did the presence of reserved lands hinder or promote development? How extensive was land speculation and how did it operate? Clark brings these issues and more to the forefront, integrating concepts and substantive issues through a problem-oriented approach. Blending qualitative and quantitative approaches, he weaves together surveyors' records, personal and government correspondence, assessment rolls, and land records to measure the pulse of this pre-industrial society.

About this title

About the Author

John Clarke is a Distinguished Research Professor at Carleton University and a recent recipient of the Canadian Association of Geographers' award for service to Ontario geography.

Edition details

• Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0773521941
• ISBN 13: 9780773521940
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 792