<!-- generated: provider=openrouter model=arcee-ai/trinity-large-preview:free date=2026-02-19 source=book-3-chapter-04 -->

# Commercial Independence Effect

## Definition

The transformation whereby tenants and retainers become independent of great
proprietors as commercial wealth changes spending patterns, with tenants no
longer dependent on landlord bounty for subsistence and retainers dismissed,
allowing regular government to function without interference from powerful
landowners.

## Source Chapter

Book III, Chapter 4

## Context

The culmination of Smith's argument showing how commercial society breaks the
power of great proprietors by making their dependents independent, leading to
the establishment of regular government in both town and country.

## Economic Domain

Distribution

---
