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Soybean Farming Transformations: Exploring the Impact on Family Farms in the American South

  The transformation of agricultural landscapes in the United States during the latter half of the 20th century represents a critical juncture in rural economic and social history. Within this broader narrative, the comparative analysis of soybean cultivation's emergence and impact in Central Louisiana and the Mississippi Delta offers a compelling examination of how regional factors influenced agricultural change in the American South. The researcher's proposed dissertation, titled "Soybean Farming Transformations: Family Farms in Central Louisiana and the Mississippi Delta, 1950-2020," seeks to illuminate the profound effects of agricultural diversification on rural communities across these two distinct yet interconnected regions. By tracing the introduction and growth of soybean cultivation over seven decades, this study provides a longitudinal perspective on the evolving nature of rural economies and societies in the South. The primary research question guiding t

The Great Depression: A Monetarist Perspective

Abstract This blog post examines the Great Depression through the lens of monetarist economic theory, primarily associated with Milton Friedman and Anna Schwartz. Using a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data analysis and qualitative historical research, the study explores how changes in the money supply influenced both the onset and the resolution of the Depression. The analysis draws on primary sources such as economic data and policymaker memoirs, as well as secondary scholarly works. The findings suggest that monetary contraction played a crucial role in triggering and deepening the Depression, while monetary expansion was key to the recovery. This monetarist perspective offers valuable insights into the mechanisms of severe economic downturns and the importance of appropriate monetary policy. Introduction The Great Depression, which commenced in 1929 and persisted until the late 1930s, stands as one of the most profound and far-reaching economic catastrophes in modern

Diversifying the South: George Washington Carver's Legacy of Innovation and Equity in Agriculture

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  Abstract George Washington Carver was a pioneering African American scientist, inventor, and educator who made significant contributions to the agricultural economy of the American South in the early 20th century. This blog post examines Carver's economic experiences and impact through a review of primary sources, such as his personal writings and speeches, as well as scholarly secondary sources. The analysis highlights Carver's work to diversify Southern crop production, promote sustainable farming practices, and empower Black farmers, ultimately contributing to the economic transformation of the region during a period of racial segregation and agricultural crisis. Introduction George Washington Carver (1864-1943) is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative scientists in American history. Born into slavery in Missouri, Carver overcame immense adversity to become a preeminent agricultural researcher, inventor, and educator. [1] Throughout his remarka