New York’s history is steeped in a legacy of stark inequality, reminiscent of a feudal kingdom. In 1689, the grievances of the poor echoed those of the farmers’ revolt led by Jacob Leisler, whose uprising was ultimately crushed when he was hanged, and vast estates continued to be parceled out under Governor Benjamin Fletcher. Fletcher, notorious for his favoritism, granted three-fourths of New York’s land to just 30 individuals. One friend alone received half a million acres for a token annual payment of 30 shillings.

This pattern of land consolidation persisted under Lord Cornbury in the early 1700s, when a single grant to a group of speculators encompassed a staggering two million acres. The beneficiaries of these vast tracts were likely the ancestors of today’s wealthy elite, perpetuating a cycle of affluence and power. Meanwhile, the common people of New York languished in poverty.

By 1700, the cries of the impoverished were so grievous that New York City’s church warden appealed to the Common Council for relief funds. The city’s response was to construct poorhouses for those unable to find work, widows, and others struggling to survive the harsh conditions. By the 1730s, poorhouses were common across cities, providing shelter for the elderly, the crippled, war veterans, new immigrants, and orphans.

The 1700s saw rapid growth in the American colonies, with a burgeoning population of English settlers joined by Scots, Irish, German immigrants, and black slaves, whose numbers rose from 8% of the population in 1690 to 21% in 1770. The population of the colonies grew from 250,000 in 1700 to 1.6 million by 1760. Agriculture, small manufacturing, shipping, and trade flourished, and cities like Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Charleston expanded exponentially.

Yet, despite this growth, the benefits were disproportionately enjoyed by the upper class, who monopolized political power. A historian’s study of Boston tax lists from 1687 and 1771 revealed that out of a population of 6,000, the wealthiest 5%—approximately 50 individuals—owned 25% of the wealth. This mirrors the stark economic disparities we see today.

The parallels between then and now are striking. The concentration of wealth and power remains a defining feature of American society. Efforts to combat inequality have been met with resistance, much like the struggles faced by those in the 1700s. The rich have always found ways to maintain their dominance, often at the expense of the less fortunate.

Understanding this historical context is crucial. It highlights that the economic and social inequalities of today are deeply ingrained in the fabric of American society. The wealthy elite have long wielded their influence to preserve their status, perpetuating a cycle that continues to oppress those who challenge their supremacy.

As we reflect on this history, it becomes clear that the fight against inequality is far from new. It is a continuation of a struggle that has persisted for centuries, underscoring the need for systemic change to address the root causes of economic disparity and create a more just and equitable society.

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