LABORERS IN SAN-ISIDRO (18TH-19TH CENTURIES)

The development of a peculiar wheat economy linked to the Buenos Aires market during the 18th and 19th century is here discussed. The origin and consolidation of a peasant economy of wheat producers integrated by several different sectors -from the poorest tenants to the owners of medium-sized or large agriculture enterprises with a considerable profitability level due to the contribution of their slaves and laborers- is studied through the analysis of censuses, inventories and other documents of the time. Among the most remarkable features of this analysis, mention should be made to the role of slavery as a central element in production relationships in agriculture, as well as to the accumulation capacity of some sectors involved and its relation with land tenancy and ownership.