State Policy and the Yeoman Ideal: agricultural development in Western Australia, 1890–1914

Author: Tonts M.

Source: Landscape Research, Volume 27, Number 1, 1 January 2002 , pp. 103-115(13)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $50.43 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

The significance of the "yeoman ideal" in the formulation of Western Australian agricultural development policy between 1890 and 1914 is examined. It is argued that the colonial and, later, state governments of Western Australia regarded themselves not only as the promoters of economic development, but also as the architects of a desired cultural landscape and social class. This was reflected in numerous government reports, legislation and advertising that emphasized the virtues of smallscale family owned and operated yeoman farms. It is pointed out that, despite the serious ongoing environmental and economic difficulties facing this type of farming, the state remained captivated by the yeoman ideal until at least the onset of the First World War.

Keywords: STATE-SPONSORED AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT; HOMESTEADS; YEOMAN IDEAL

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2002-01-01

More about this publication?