1. What was the major cause of problems with the sharecropping system?
a. farmers' continual debt
b. lack of fertile land
c. insufficient livestock
d. fierce competition among farmers
a. farmers' continual debt was the major cause of problems with the sharecropping system. Sharecroppers were often unable to pay off their debts to landowners because of the high interest rates and the limited opportunities to sell their crops at fair prices. As a result, they would become trapped in a cycle of debt and poverty, making it difficult to improve their economic status.
To determine the major cause of problems with the sharecropping system, we can examine the characteristics and challenges associated with sharecropping. Sharecropping was an agricultural system prevalent in the southern United States after the Civil War, where landowners would provide land and other resources to farmers in exchange for a share of their crop.
a. Farmers' continual debt: This could be a possible cause of problems with the sharecropping system. Sharecroppers often started with little to no capital or resources and relied on the landowner for essential items such as seeds, tools, and supplies. Since they had limited access to credit or financial resources, they often fell into debt, which became a cyclical issue. As a result, farmers struggled to escape the cycle of debt, affecting their economic stability.
b. Lack of fertile land: While access to fertile land was important for successful agriculture, particularly for sharecroppers who relied on their crops for income, this was not necessarily the major cause of problems with the sharecropping system. Although some sharecroppers might have faced challenges related to the quality of land they were allocated, it was not the primary underlying cause of problems.
c. Insufficient livestock: Though livestock played a significant role in agricultural production, particularly for sharecroppers who relied on animals for various tasks, this was not the major cause of problems with the sharecropping system. While inadequate access to sufficient livestock could have impacted productivity and profits, it was not the prominent factor leading to problems in the sharecropping system.
d. Fierce competition among farmers: While competition might have been a challenge in the sharecropping system, it was not the major cause of problems. Rather, the sharecropping system was structured in a way that inherently disadvantaged farmers. The landowners often had more power and control in the relationship, with the ability to set unfavorable terms, determine crop allocations, and exert authority over the land. This power imbalance, coupled with the economic challenges faced by sharecroppers, including continual debt, limited land ownership, and lack of access to resources, were the major causes of problems with the sharecropping system.
Therefore, the correct answer is a. Farmers' continual debt. Sharecroppers' perpetual cycle of debt was a significant issue within the system, leading to economic instability and difficulties in improving their situation.