Describe the impact of the boll weevil and drought on agriculture in Georgia.
The boll weevil and drought had a significant impact on agriculture in Georgia, particularly in the early to mid-20th century. The boll weevil, a small beetle that feeds on cotton buds and flowers, devastated cotton crops across the southern United States, including Georgia. The boll weevil infestation led to widespread crop destruction, causing a sharp decline in cotton production and devastating the livelihoods of many farmers who relied on cotton as their main cash crop.
The combination of the boll weevil infestation and drought conditions exacerbated the economic hardships faced by Georgia farmers. The lack of adequate rainfall during drought periods further stunted crop growth and reduced overall agricultural yields. This, coupled with the damage caused by the boll weevil, led to widespread financial losses for farmers in the state.
As a result of the boll weevil and drought, many Georgia farmers were forced to diversify their crops or switch to alternative farming practices in order to survive. Some farmers shifted to crops that were less susceptible to the boll weevil, such as corn or peanuts, while others turned to livestock farming or other non-agricultural activities to sustain their incomes.
Overall, the boll weevil infestation and drought had a lasting impact on Georgia's agricultural industry, leading to long-term changes in farming practices and crop choices in response to the challenges posed by these events.