The boll weevil is important to Georgia's history because its infestation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries had a significant impact on the state's economy and agriculture. The boll weevil is a small beetle that feeds on cotton buds and flowers, leading to a drastic decrease in cotton production. This forced farmers to diversify their crops and move towards more profitable alternatives, such as peanuts and soybeans. This shift in agriculture helped to modernize the state's economy and promote agricultural innovation. The boll weevil infestation also played a role in the Great Migration, as many African American sharecroppers and tenant farmers left Georgia in search of better opportunities in northern cities. Overall, the boll weevil's impact on Georgia's history highlights the resilience and adaptability of the state's agricultural industry.
