Question

why did sharecropping and tenant farming develop during reconstruction? a southern landowners wanted to contribute to the work of the freedmen’s bureau. b southern landowners still wanted to grow cash crops such as cotton and needed labor. c southern landowners wanted to grow new fruit crops in place of cotton and needed labor. d southern landowners wanted to move out of the south and needed someone to work their land.

Explanation:

• Option A: The Freedmen’s Bureau was to assist freed slaves, not a reason for landowners to use sharecropping/tenant farming. Eliminate A.
• Option B: After the Civil War, Southern landowners still relied on cash crops like cotton. With slavery ended, they needed labor, so sharecropping/tenant farming (using freed slaves or poor whites) developed. This matches the context.
• Option C: Southern landowners didn't switch from cotton to fruit crops; cotton remained a key cash crop. Eliminate C.
• Option D: Most Southern landowners stayed in the South to manage their land. The idea of moving out and needing others to work land is incorrect. Eliminate D.

Answer:

B. Southern landowners still wanted to grow cash crops such as cotton and needed labor.