Which of the following did Georgia’s economy experience as an effect of the pest infestation and natural disaster in the early 1900s?
A. recession
B. secession
C. depression
D. progression
The correct answer is C. depression. The pest infestation, specifically the boll weevil, and natural disasters such as floods and droughts greatly impacted Georgia's agriculture industry, leading to a widespread economic depression in the state during the early 1900s.
To determine the correct answer, let's first analyze the question. It states that Georgia's economy experienced certain effects as a result of a pest infestation and a natural disaster in the early 1900s. We need to identify the economic impact of these events from the given options (A, B, C, D).
To find the answer, we can eliminate options that are not relevant to the economic impact of the events.
Option A, "recession," is a term used to describe a temporary economic slowdown with reduced economic activity, typically measured by a decline in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over two consecutive quarters. While a pest infestation and a natural disaster can potentially cause economic downturns, a recession is characterized by more prolonged effects and is unlikely to be the correct answer in this context.
Option B, "secession," refers to a political act or process of withdrawing from a larger group or entity, often used to describe the withdrawal of states from a nation. While secession can certainly have economic consequences, it is unlikely to be the direct result of a pest infestation and a natural disaster. Therefore, we can eliminate this option as well.
Option D, "progression," is a term that generally refers to the act of moving forward, advancing, or improving. While economic progress or development may occur over time, it is not directly related to the adverse effects of a pest infestation and a natural disaster.
This leaves us with option C, "depression." A depression refers to a severe and prolonged economic downturn, characterized by high unemployment rates, deflation, decreased consumer spending, and a decline in business activity and investment. Given the scale and severity of a pest infestation and a natural disaster, it is plausible that Georgia's economy experienced a depression as a result.
Therefore, the correct answer is C. depression.