Final answer:
Sharecropping and tenant farming were not good systems of employment as they heavily favored the landlords, resulted in a cycle of debt for the workers, and had long-term negative effects on the economy and environment. The workers had limited control over their earnings, were unable to attain independent livelihoods, and became trapped in a never-ending cycle of debt. The unsustainable practices of sharecropping also contributed to soil erosion and environmental degradation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sharecropping and tenant farming were not good systems of employment because they heavily favored the landlords and resulted in a cycle of debt for the workers. Sharecroppers paid their landlords with a share of their crops, often as much as half of their harvest. This meant that the workers had limited control over their earnings and were unable to attain independent livelihoods.
The year-to-year leases provided no incentive for the landlords to improve the land, and high interest payments further drained the farmers' income. Sharecroppers often became trapped in a never-ending cycle of debt, preventing them from buying their own land and forcing them to continue working for their creditors.
The crop lien system also contributed to the disadvantages faced by sharecroppers. Under this system, the sharecroppers had to assume the risks and finance many aspects of cotton production, even though they were essentially wage laborers. They had to buy seed and supplies on their own accounts, for which they were legally liable. This burden of responsibility placed a significant financial strain on the sharecroppers, making it even more difficult for them to escape the cycle of debt.
Furthermore, sharecropping had long-term negative effects on the economy and environment of the South. The focus on maximizing short-term yields led to overplanting, soil erosion, and depletion of topsoil. These unsustainable practices gradually decreased the productivity of Southern farms and contributed to soil erosion and environmental degradation.
Overall, sharecropping and tenant farming were exploitative systems that hindered economic development and perpetuated poverty.