Why did the poor peasants and artisans begin to work for merchants in the 18th century?

In the 18th century, poor peasants and artisans began working for merchants due to the rise of capitalism and the expansion of markets. Economic changes, such as the growth of trade and the demand for goods, incentivized them to seek employment in the burgeoning textile and manufacturing industries. Additionally, the enclosure movement and agricultural innovations displaced many rural workers, pushing them towards urban centers where they could find wage labor opportunities with merchants. This shift marked a significant transition from traditional subsistence economies to a more market-oriented labor structure.