Why did sharecropping lead to a cycle of poverty?

Question

No one shared the tools, seeds or fertilizer, needed to be successful
Freedman had worked on farms all their lives, and didn’t want to work on farms anymore
Crap prices were low, which prevented farmers from being able to pay off debts
There was not enough land for everyone

Answer 1

These are some of the factors that contributed to the cycle of poverty in sharecropping:

1. Lack of access to resources: Sharecroppers did not have access to essential tools, seeds, or fertilizer needed for successful farming. Without these resources, it was difficult for sharecroppers to improve their crops and increase their profits.

2. Limited opportunities for economic advancement: Freedmen who had worked on farms all their lives often lacked the education and skills needed for other types of work. This limited their ability to find other employment opportunities and break out of the cycle of poverty.

3. Low crop prices: Crop prices were often low, making it difficult for sharecroppers to generate enough income to pay off their debts and improve their financial situation. This cycle of low crop prices and high debt kept sharecroppers trapped in poverty.

4. Limited land availability: With limited land available for sharecroppers to farm, they were unable to expand their operations and increase their profits. This lack of land ownership and control further contributed to the cycle of poverty in sharecropping.