Overleven door ondernemen : de agrarische geschiedenis van de Over-Betuwe 1650 - 1850

The line of approach taken in this study of the agrarian developments in Over-Betuwe is the developments on the market. This thesis is about the efforts made by farmers and other residents in Over-Betuwe to survive economic depressions (after 1650 and 1817) and to take advantage of economic upsurge (after 1750).

The book shows that the economy of Over-Betuwe was one of risk-sharing; not only because many people shared the risks of farming with landowners, but also because they often had more than one occupation. It also shows that agriculture in Over-Betuwe changed dramatically. Residents responded succesfully to developments on the market. This led to an increase in the population in the lower social groups in this area. Farmers with more than 40 ha became an elite as they also became very prosperous.

The increasing social polarization and the growing wealth of the large farmers is illustrated by changes in the material culture of the various social groups. The large farmers tried to distinguish themselves more and more from other groups by their possessions and customs. Moreover many large farmers bought land in order to achieve political influence.