The Boll Weevil
Who was involved? Think about the people or groups who were involved and affected by this event.
What happened? Summarize the event!
Where did the event take place?
What region(s) of Georgia did the event take place in?
When did the event take place?
Why is this event important to Georgia’s history?
Who was involved? Farmers in Georgia were primarily affected by the boll weevil infestation. The pest significantly impacted the cotton industry, leading to economic hardships for many farmers.
What happened? The boll weevil, a small beetle native to Mexico, migrated to the United States in the late 19th century and quickly became a devastating pest for cotton crops. It fed on cotton buds and laid its eggs inside the bolls, destroying the cotton fibers.
Where did the event take place? The boll weevil infestation affected cotton-growing regions across the southern United States, including Georgia.
What region(s) of Georgia did the event take place in? The event impacted cotton-growing regions throughout Georgia, including the southern and central parts of the state.
When did the event take place? The boll weevil infestation became a significant issue for Georgia farmers in the early 20th century, with its effects lasting for several years.
Why is this event important to Georgia’s history? The boll weevil infestation had a profound impact on Georgia's economy and agriculture. It led to a decline in cotton production, forcing farmers to diversify their crops and implement new farming techniques. This event ultimately changed the agricultural landscape of Georgia and was a major factor in the state's transition to a more diversified economy.