all the land our forefathers had was a little strip of country, here between the mountains and the ocean. All the way from here west was Indian country, and Spanish and French and English country. It was farmers that took all that country and made it America. How? Almanzo asked. Well, son, the Spaniards were soldiers, and high-and-mighty gentlemen that only wanted gold. And the French were fur-traders, wanting to make quick money. And England was busy fighting wars. But we were farmers, son; we wanted the land. It was farmers that went over the mountains, and cleared the land, and settled it, and farmed it, and hung on to their farms.
The excerpt highlights the significance of farmers in shaping America. It contrasts the motivations of various groups such as the Spaniards, French, and English, who were primarily focused on military endeavors, quick profits, or wars, respectively. In contrast, farmers were dedicated to cultivating the land, which was essential for establishing a stable and prosperous society.
The narrative emphasizes that the forefathers' land was modest compared to the vast territories that were once considered "Indian country," dominated by other nations. It was through the hard work and perseverance of farmers that the country expanded, as they cleared and settled the land, ensuring their legacy and the growth of the nation.
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