Sharecroppers
Sharecropping was a system used after the reconstruction
period. A sharecropper, someone who was unable to own land but instead worked
for someone who did, was paid for their labor with crops instead of cash. This was
because farm owners, yet rich in land, were yet not rich in cash. This system
was theoretically benefiting both parties, referring to land owners and
sharecroppers. This was so because in the case of landowners, previously, they
relied heavily on slaves to tend their crops. Since slavery has been newly
abolished, a farmer has no one to tend to their crops. This is when sharecroppers,
most often former slaves, step in. when enslaved, slaves were somewhat provided
a decent shelter and a portion of food to survive on. By themselves, they had
no one and nothing. By becoming a sharecropper,
the idea of not knowing when your next meal would be and where you would sleep
tonight was relieved. Also, while
working, they were ensured with half of the harvest.
Tenant farmers
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Tenant farmers, unlike sharecroppers were able to own
plowing animals, equipment and other supplies. As well, after each harvest
they7 would receive either two thirds or three quarters of the harvest. Sharecroppers,
on the other hand, were only promised half of the harvest; while also deducting
from their “pay” extra necessities they asked for. He “bosses”
of tenant farmers often provided food and the most basic necessities due to the
lack of farm credit.
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