The early 1800s were a time of major economic and social change. While these changes had a positive impact on people, there were some negative impacts as well. To understand this economic change it is important to understand the economy before 1800. Before 1800, most of the people were self-sufficient as they were mostly farmers. They produced their own food, clothes, basic things like soap, furniture, even houses. Moreover, the economy was mainly a local thing. Most of the people used things that were made at the places close to their homes. They either made their own products or bought them from the professionals in the closest towns and this type of economy dominates the United States before 1800.