Colonial Times (pre-1763)
Farmers in the 1700s were a great part of society in both the South and the North. Agriculture in general was a big factor for both the North and the South. However, the use of agriculture differed as the South farmed for more "cash crops" or crops that could be sold for high prices, while the North grew crops that were used to help self-sustain themselves. Northern colonies grew corn and wheat. Middle colonies grew wheat, barley, oats, rye and corn. The Southern colonies grew tobacco as a cash crop and bought good from the North or imported from Europe. Farming was a big part of the economic structure and the economy at the time mainly revolved around agriculture. America's first form of governments were created by farmers to argue against the mother country, Britain. Rich farmers were politicians, some who would serve in governments.
Key Terms:
Indentured Servants - Key workforce of labor in the 17th century and early 18th century.
Slaves - the main workforce in American Farming in the 17th century as American labor shifted away from indentured servants
Triangular trade - The trade routes from England to Africa to America that brought slaves to America in the 17th century.
Tobacco - Cash crop that would still be cultivated in the 17th century.
Indentured Servants - Key workforce of labor in the 17th century and early 18th century.
Slaves - the main workforce in American Farming in the 17th century as American labor shifted away from indentured servants
Triangular trade - The trade routes from England to Africa to America that brought slaves to America in the 17th century.
Tobacco - Cash crop that would still be cultivated in the 17th century.