Tobacco Boom

Early settlers in Jamestown struggled to survive until tobacco became their saving crop. John Rolfe introduced a profitable type of tobacco, which grew well in Virginia’s soil and was in high demand in Europe. Tobacco farming required lots of labor, first from indentured servants and later from enslaved Africans. While it made the colony rich, it also created inequality and reliance on forced labor. Tobacco shaped the Southern colonies’ economy and left a lasting legacy in American history.

This passage builds comprehension by showing how one crop changed an entire society. Vocabulary like “economy,” “plantations,” and “legacy” deepens academic understanding. Students analyze the positive and negative effects of tobacco, encouraging critical thinking. Summarizing events helps them practice grammar and clear writing. By studying the passage, students also learn to connect economic history with social impacts.