Why were backcountry colonist more self significant than plantation?
*Plantation owners
To understand why backcountry colonists were more self-sufficient than plantation owners, we need to examine the differences in their geography, economic activities, and social structure.
1. Geography: Backcountry colonists settled in the interior parts of the American colonies, away from the major coastal towns and plantations. This meant they had to rely on their own resources and abilities to survive in a more challenging environment, often characterized by rugged terrain, dense forests, and limited access to trade routes. In contrast, plantations were located primarily in the coastal regions, which provided easier access to transportation and trade opportunities.
2. Economic activities: Backcountry colonists engaged in a variety of economic activities, including hunting, fishing, small-scale farming, and artisanal crafts. They often had to produce their own goods and services to meet their basic needs. In contrast, plantation owners focused on large-scale agricultural production, mainly cash crops such as tobacco, rice, and indigo. They relied heavily on slave labor and specialized in the cultivation of a single crop for export.
3. Social structure: Backcountry colonists typically lived in smaller, more isolated communities, with households spread out over significant distances. This necessitated a higher degree of self-reliance, as there were limited social and economic networks to depend on. In contrast, plantation owners lived in larger, more organized communities, with extensive labor forces and a social hierarchy that included overseers, managers, and enslaved people. They could afford to outsource many aspects of their daily lives due to their wealth and access to resources.
In summary, backcountry colonists were more self-sufficient than plantation owners due to their geographic location, diverse economic activities, and the nature of their communities. They had to rely on their own skills and resources to fulfill their basic needs, while plantation owners could depend on slave labor and trade networks.
Plantation owners generally grew only one crop -- like tobacco or cotton.
Back country subsistence farmers diversified and grew enough different crops to feed their families.