Wealthy Planters and Small Farmers — Reading Comprehension

The Southern Colonies of America had two main groups of farmers. Some were wealthy planters. Others were small farmers. Each group played an important role in the colony.

Wealthy planters owned large areas of land called plantations. These plantations grew crops like tobacco, rice, and cotton. The planters built big houses and had many servants and enslaved people to work the fields. Life for planters was comfortable. They wore fine clothes and held large parties. They made important decisions for the colony. Some planters became leaders in their town or government.

Small farmers were different. They owned small pieces of land. They worked the land themselves, often with their families. Small farmers grew enough food to feed their families. Sometimes, they sold extra crops at the market. Their homes were simple. They did not have many servants or enslaved people. Small farmers worked hard every day. They fixed fences, planted seeds, and cared for animals. They depended on each other and their neighbors for help.

Both planters and small farmers needed fertile land and good weather. Many rivers in the Southern Colonies helped farmers move their crops to market. The wealth of planters grew because they sold large amounts of crops. Small farmers survived by working together and sharing what they had.

The Southern Colonies depended on the labor of enslaved Africans. Most enslaved people lived and worked on plantations. They planted, picked, and prepared crops. Their work helped planters gain wealth. Enslaved people had to work very hard and were not paid. They could not leave the plantation without permission.

As time passed, the gap between wealthy planters and small farmers grew. Planters bought more land and became richer. Small farmers faced challenges like bad weather, poor soil, or not enough money. Still, both groups shaped the land and the future of the Southern Colonies.

Interesting Fact: George Washington, the first President of the United States, once said, “Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful and most noble employment of man.”

Who owned large plantations?

What crops did plantations grow?

Who worked mostly with their families?

Why did planters become richer?

What was a challenge for small farmers?

Who made important decisions for the colony?

Planters lived in simple homes. True or false?

What does 'fertile' mean?