The plantation economy in South Carolina prior to the Civil War had significant impacts on small farmers who lived inland. Here's an analysis of the responses provided:
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Small farmers began to grow rice in large quantities: This statement is less accurate in the context of small farmers, as rice cultivation was primarily conducted on large plantations. Small farmers often lacked the resources and infrastructure necessary to compete with these large operations.
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Small farmers began to sell off their land in large quantities: This could be a plausible impact of the plantation economy. Many small farmers were unable to compete with the larger plantations that dominated the market. Consequently, they may have chosen to sell their land, either to seek better opportunities or because they could not sustain their farming operations.
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Small farmers shifted away from growing food to grow cotton: This statement captures a key shift. As cotton became a dominant cash crop due to demand from the textile industry, even small farmers tended to adapt by growing cotton instead of food crops. This change often left them vulnerable to market fluctuations.
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Small farmers moved to Charleston to work in textile mills: This is a possible consequence of the plantation economy's impact. As small farmers found it increasingly difficult to sustain their agricultural livelihoods, some may have sought employment in urban areas like Charleston, particularly as the textile industry grew.
In summary, while there were various pressures and shifts among small farmers due to the plantation economy, the most likely outcomes involved selling land and possibly shifting to cotton farming or moving to urban areas for work. The economic dominance of plantations generally marginalized small farmers and led to significant changes in their agricultural practices and livelihoods.