In the text “Agriculture in World History”, Mark B. Tauger discusses his idea of dual subordination. Tauger states that “Farmers supported civilization by producing crops and livestock, work which placed farmers in continual interaction with the natural environment”. (Tauger 1) The concept of dual subordination is the relationship between nature and farmers, where the natural world and agriculture can only function by subordinating nature. This is an interesting concept to grasp because the relationships between a farmer and urban civilization and farmers and their environment were very complex. For example, like any subordinates, there is a similarity of how nature made it hard to grow crops for farmers and how farmers revolted against their superiors.
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The conclusion Taugher made hinted at the mistreatment of farmers and the events that occurred around the world. Some specific places where harsh treatment was inflicted onto peasants and farmers were eventful at China, Greece, and Rome. In Chinese agricultural history, it began with “small peasant farmers who lost their lands to wealthy landlords”. (Tauger 27) Not only were there abuses by landlords, but peasants also experienced the natural disasters and “..provoked rebellions that twice overthrew governments during the Han dynasty”(Tauger 27). During the Han Dynasty, significant famine occurred in 160 BCE. The Han dynasty experienced famine, growing shortages, and declining reserves in government. Eventually, peasants were not able to support their families and had to borrow money to pay taxes. As a result, rich officials and regional rulers took advantage of the peasants to take over their lands and employ them as tenants or
The conclusion Taugher made hinted at the mistreatment of farmers and the events that occurred around the world. Some specific places where harsh treatment was inflicted onto peasants and farmers were eventful at China, Greece, and Rome. In Chinese agricultural history, it began with “small peasant farmers who lost their lands to wealthy landlords”. (Tauger 27) Not only were there abuses by landlords, but peasants also experienced the natural disasters and “..provoked rebellions that twice overthrew governments during the Han dynasty”(Tauger 27). During the Han Dynasty, significant famine occurred in 160 BCE. The Han dynasty experienced famine, growing shortages, and declining reserves in government. Eventually, peasants were not able to support their families and had to borrow money to pay taxes. As a result, rich officials and regional rulers took advantage of the peasants to take over their lands and employ them as tenants or