Kontan.

In The Elusive Republic, Drew McCoy examines the agrarian/industrial debate regarding the political economy.  It was necessary for government to decide its role in the business of the country.  As debate arises in the area of economic focus there is no doubt that America could eventually shift to an industrialized nation.  The question was whether government should embrace and encourage the shift or allow its gradual occurrence.  Those such as a Jackson chose a laissez-faire approach. 

Jefferson neither totally opposed, nor totally embraced the industrial shift.  Jeffersonian Republicanism took a median approach to adapt American industry to the role of consumption.  Jefferson did not wish to abandon agrarian traditions, or cease trade.  In fact, with international cooperation Jefferson would have sought increased agricultural trade.  Continued agricultural production without foreign markets would create a surplus product that the United States alone could not consume.  The agricultural surplus, in the Jeffersonian view, was for supporting industrial progress abroad.  By supplying nations abroad with an American agricultural surplus, the nations would be able to focus on industrial growth without the worry of agricultural production.  It would be a mutually beneficial relationship, as the United States could build upon agrarian principles.

However, widespread factory development was not Jefferson’s plan.  Production could be achieved by independent manufacturers and in households, without encouraging the expansion or development of a large wage earning force.  In the industrial realm, America had the ability and labor to industrialize.

As McCoy pointed out in the last chapters of The Elusive Republic, the United States had improved upon many European inventions and had become rather efficient.  Debate continued concerning goods to produce.  Jefferson was not led to encourage production of goods not necessary to household use.  Goods of luxury and extravagance could still be obtained from Europe.  Producing them within the United States was unnecessary. 

The Jeffersonian idea of republicanism is self-sufficiency.  If everyone is independent they are likely to behave in a manner that will sustain the republic.  Agrarian society is centered on the principle of individual success.  Cottage industries are centered on the principle of individual success.  Without self-sufficiency and initiative, success will not be achieved.  Success of industrialization requires a collective effort.  Individuals must work for the good of the whole.  If one is not working to full capacity there is another that can pick up the slack.  In an agrarian society or cottage industry individual slack equates to failure.  It would certainly be nice to see a return to Jeffersonian principles of individual self-sufficiency, and apply such ideas to modern society.  I do not believe society has lost the concept of self-sufficiency.  After all, many are simply out to get what they can get for themselves.  However, at times I believe the concept of self-sufficiency is lost on a society that embraces bailout plans and stimulus packages.  Whatever happened to the idea that hard work pays off?  Is that still a valid principle these days or does it equal the hamster on the wheel, running fast and working hard, but getting nowhere?