Talk:History of New York City (1784–1854)

What does this mean?
"...entire generations were forced to plough themselves under for their children or grandchildren to rise." Yes I know the agricultural application (plowing crops under to fertilize next year's crops), but how does one "plow oneself under" for the economic advantage of one's offspring? --Randall 75.225.117.254 (talk) 22:40, 1 January 2010 (UTC)