Thomas Jefferson Wertenbaker
The Planters of Colonial Virginia
"The Planters of Colonial Virginia" by Thomas Jefferson Wertenbaker is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the economic and social structures of colonial Virginia, focusing particularly on the role and influence of small planters in shaping society. It likely delves into how these planters navigated the challenges of labor availability, agricultural practices, and the burgeoning tobacco industry in an evolving colonial landscape. The opening of the text sets the stage for a comprehensive examination of the early justification and establishment of English colonies in Virginia. Wertenbaker illustrates the hope that European immigrants had for a better life in the New World, fueled by letters describing the promise of cheap land and a prosperous lifestyle. However, he also highlights the ensuing struggles faced by these yeomen farmers as they faced competition from larger plantations that made use of slave labor, which threatened their economic independence. The text emphasizes the transition from a society dominated by independent small landowners to one increasingly reliant on slavery, discussing the significant implications for both white planters and enslaved Africans in the formation of colonial Virginia.