Plantation
A large-scale estate meant for farming that specializes in cash crops
Real World Example
Plantations were large farms in the American colonies that primarily grew cash crops like tobacco, cotton, and sugar, which were important for the economy. They relied heavily on enslaved labor, making them central to the economy and society in the Southern Colonies. Plantations represented wealth and power for the landowners but also symbolized the harsh realities of slavery and inequality. Today, the legacy of plantations can be seen in ongoing discussions about race, inequality, and justice, as they remind us of the deep history of slavery in the United States. For example, when people visit historical plantation sites today, it helps them reflect on past injustices and the importance of equality and human rights in our society.