Plantations In The American South Flashcards
From when and where did the early settlers settle in the American South?
In the early 1600s
Mainly from England but also from other countries such as Spain, France, Germany, Scotland and Ireland
Which crops did they grow in the American South and why?
. Tobacco
. Rice
. Sugar cane
. Cotton
These crops were in great demand in England and other European countries
What became the original states of the USA and the early provinces of Canada?
Starting in the 1500s Britian established a number of colonies
When were slaves first brought to the American colonies from Africa?
During the 1600s
Why were the slaves brought to the American colonies?
The slaves were needed to work in the plantations in the American South
What was the first plantation crop grown in the American colonies?
Tobacco
Where did the workers who worked on the tobacco plantations come from?
At first, the British settlers brought servants from England, but by the late 1600s there were few servants available, so they imported slaves from Africa instead
How many slaves were needed on a tabacco plantation?
About 20 or 30
How many slaves were needed on a sugar plantation?
Often more than 50
Where was sugar cane grown?
It was grown in the Mediterranean countries in Europe for about 750 years before plantations were started in Brazil and the Caribbean islands, and, later, the American South
How many slaves were needed on rice plantations?
At least 30 slaves per plantation
Why did rice plantations earn more money than tobacco plantations?
Rice was easier to grow
Why were the areas in which rice was grown unhealthy for slaves?
The land was wet, swampy and full of disease
Why did cotton plantations become a very popular way of making a great deal of money?
. The great demand for cotton in Europe and elsewhere
. The invention of the Cotton Gin, by Eli Whitney, a machine that could clean large amounts of cotton fibre in a short time
Which American states had large cotton plantations?
Virginia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas
