Final answer:
The lives of American farmers in the colonial period saw changes in household dynamics, increased production for local trade, and struggles with encroachment by commercial interests.
Step-by-step explanation:
Over the course of the colonial period, the lives of many American farmers underwent significant changes. Firstly, their households became less patriarchal and more egalitarian, with women and children playing more active roles in farming activities. Secondly, farmers began producing more goods for local trade, taking advantage of the growing market demand in colonial towns and cities. Lastly, many farmers faced challenges as they were pushed off their land by larger commercial interests, leading to a loss of independence.
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