What was the impact of the boll weevil?
a
The boll weevil helped pollinate cotton crops, causing them to grow.
b
The boll weevil led to the success of the textile industry.
c
The boll weevil ate cotton buds, destroying thousands of cotton crops and causing the textile industry to suffer.
d
The boll weevil carried disease and made many people ill.
The correct answer is (c) The boll weevil ate cotton buds, destroying thousands of cotton crops and causing the textile industry to suffer. The boll weevil is an insect that feeds on cotton buds and flowers. In the early 20th century, it devastated cotton crops in the southeastern United States, leading to significant economic losses for farmers and the textile industry. The impact was so severe that it led to the diversification of southern agriculture, paving the way for the growth of other crops like soybeans and peanuts.
c. The boll weevil ate cotton buds, destroying thousands of cotton crops and causing the textile industry to suffer.
The correct answer is c) The boll weevil ate cotton buds, destroying thousands of cotton crops and causing the textile industry to suffer.
To understand the impact of the boll weevil, it is important to study the history of cotton farming in the United States. The boll weevil is a small, destructive beetle native to Mexico and Central America. In the late 19th century, it made its way to the United States, specifically the Southern states where cotton farming thrived.
Upon its arrival, the boll weevil wreaked havoc on cotton crops. It fed on the cotton buds, causing significant damage and ultimately destroying thousands of acres of cotton. This resulted in a decline in cotton production and a major blow to the textile industry.
The boll weevil infestation had a significant economic impact. Farmers suffered major financial losses as their cotton crops were destroyed, leading to bankruptcies and unemployment. The textile industry, which heavily relied on cotton as a raw material, also suffered because of the decreased supply of cotton. Many mills had to close down or reduce their production, resulting in a decline in business and job losses.
Efforts to control the boll weevil infestation were eventually successful, but the damage had already been done. The boll weevil's impact on cotton farming had long-lasting effects on the Southern economy, leading to a shift away from cotton and pushing farmers to diversify their crops.
To find this information, one can refer to historical sources such as books, academic journals, and online resources that detail the history of cotton farming and its challenges, including the boll weevil infestation.