In the early 1900s, many people in Alabama made their living by farming. Most farmers grew cotton, which had been an important crop for a long time. But during this time, Alabama farmers faced serious problems. These challenges made it harder to earn a living and changed the way people worked the land.
Overcropping and Tired Soil
One big problem was overcropping. Farmers planted cotton in the same fields year after year without letting the soil rest. This made the soil lose nutrients and grow weaker. As a result, the cotton plants didn’t grow as well, and farmers harvested smaller crops. Weaker soil also made it easier for plant diseases and pests to spread.
The Boll Weevil Arrives
In the early 1900s, a tiny insect called the boll weevil entered Alabama from the west. The boll weevil feeds on cotton plants, destroying the cotton before it can be picked. The insect spread quickly across the state, ruining cotton crops year after year. Many farmers lost most of their harvests and couldn’t make enough money to pay their debts.
The boll weevil caused great hardship for Alabama’s farmers. Some had to leave their farms to find work in towns or cities. Others tried planting different crops, but it was hard to make up for the lost income from cotton.
Falling Cotton Prices
At the same time, the price of cotton dropped. There was too much cotton being grown around the world, and prices fell. Even if farmers were lucky enough to grow a healthy crop, they didn’t earn much money for it. This made it harder to pay for seeds, tools, and other supplies.
Low cotton prices and smaller harvests left many farmers in debt. Some lost their land and became sharecroppers,renting land from others and giving part of their crops to the landowner. Life was hard for many rural families in Alabama.
A Time of Change
These challenges forced Alabama farmers to make difficult choices. Some began growing other crops like peanuts or corn. Others moved away from farms to work in factories or mines. Over time, Alabama’s economy became less dependent on cotton and more focused on new industries.
The problems of overcropping, the boll weevil, and low cotton prices showed that farming could be risky. Even though it was a tough time, these struggles helped bring changes that shaped Alabama’s future.