Backcountry colonists were generally more self-sufficient than plantation owners primarily because nearly everything they needed was often made at home. Unlike plantation owners, who relied heavily on the labor of enslaved people to cultivate large cash crops such as tobacco, rice, or indigo, backcountry settlers tended to focus on subsistence farming. They grew a variety of crops for their own use and often raised livestock, which allowed them to be less dependent on external markets.
Additionally, backcountry colonists often lived in isolated areas where they had to be more resourceful and self-reliant. They developed skills in crafting goods such as clothing, tools, and household items, further enhancing their self-sufficiency.
While plantation owners had access to more land and resources, their economic model often meant they were reliant on trade and the labor of slaves to produce their cash crops, making them less self-sufficient in terms of everyday living needs.