9+ Cash Crop Definition: AP Human Geography Simplified

cash crop definition ap human geography

9+ Cash Crop Definition: AP Human Geography Simplified

A cultivated agricultural product grown for sale to generate revenue is a significant component of global trade and agricultural economies. Examples of these include crops like cotton, coffee, and rubber, which are often cultivated in large quantities for export rather than local consumption. These commodities are frequently the primary source of income for farmers and, on a broader scale, for entire nations.

The cultivation of these specialized agricultural products plays a crucial role in economic development, allowing regions to specialize in production and participate in international markets. Historically, it has shaped trade routes, influenced colonial economies, and continues to impact contemporary global trade dynamics. The income generated can fund infrastructure development, education, and other essential services within a region. However, reliance on a limited number of commodities can create economic vulnerability to price fluctuations and market demand changes.

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APUSH: Crop Lien System Definition + Impact

crop lien system apush definition

APUSH: Crop Lien System Definition + Impact

This economic arrangement characterized post-Civil War agriculture in the South. Under this system, farmers, often former slaves and poor whites, obtained supplies, such as seed, tools, and food, on credit from local merchants. In return, the merchants held a claim (lien) on the farmer’s future crop as collateral. For example, a farmer might pledge a portion of their cotton harvest to secure needed goods before the growing season even began.

This system perpetuated a cycle of debt and dependency. High interest rates, coupled with fluctuating crop prices and dishonest accounting practices, frequently left farmers owing more than they earned at harvest time. This effectively bound them to the land and to the merchant, limiting their economic mobility and reinforcing existing social hierarchies. The prevalence of this arrangement significantly hindered the South’s economic recovery and diversification following the Civil War.

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