The epidemic caused widespread panic and disruption, leading many people to flee the city. This created opportunities for those who remained, particularly families who could rely on each other for support and labor.
In the novel, we see how Mattie Cook, the protagonist, and her family adapt to the situation by taking in boarders and starting a small business selling lemonade to help support themselves.
Here's why the Yellow Fever epidemic fostered a growth in family businesses:
* Lack of Workforce: Many skilled workers and tradespeople fled the city, creating a shortage of labor. Families were able to fill this gap by relying on each other's skills and resources.
* Fear of Contagion: The fear of the disease made people hesitant to interact with strangers. Family businesses provided a safe and familiar environment for transactions.
* Financial Instability: The epidemic caused economic hardship, forcing families to become more self-sufficient and rely on their own means of survival.
* Community Support: During the crisis, families supported each other by sharing resources and helping those in need. This sense of community fostered the growth of family-based businesses.
The Yellow Fever epidemic, while a tragic event, ultimately led to a shift in the economic landscape of Philadelphia, giving rise to family businesses and highlighting the resilience and adaptability of communities in times of crisis.