Plantation
A large-scale estate meant for farming that specializes in cash crops
Real World Example
Plantations were large farms in the Americas that focused on growing cash crops like sugar, tobacco, and cotton, primarily for export to Europe. They were crucial to the economies of colonial empires because they generated significant wealth and resources. Plantations relied heavily on enslaved labor, which represented exploitation and inequality during their time. The legacy of plantations continues today in the form of racial and economic disparities that stem from this period of history. For example, discussions about fair trade and ethical sourcing in modern agriculture are influenced by the historical exploitation seen on plantations, as people today strive for more equitable labor practices.
