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Colonial Period 1733-1800
The Colonial Period had little industrial activity. The few areas of industry were mostly artisan crafts like, clothing, shoes, and furnishings. The Colonial Period also featured a variety of agricultural resources. Some of these include rice, indigo, corn, peas, tobacco, wheat, rye, silk, and lumber. Rice was particularly important, making up approx. 1/3 of crops. Additionally, cattle, mules, horses, and hogs were also raised. -
Antebellum Era 1800-1860
The Antebellum Era had a mostly agricultural economy, similarly to the Colonial Period. However, it did have more focus on industry. The Antebellum Era also focuses on different crops, mostly cotton, corn, tobacco, wheat, and sweet potatoes. Industries also grew greatly with the development of cotton gins and saw mills, but these still relied on agriculture and also allowed for more agricultural growth. Additionally, Savannah also was established as a major shipping port and industrial capital. -
Post-Civil War 1865-1940
Before the Great Depression, the economy was similar to the previous era. However, when the depression hit, a major shift happened in the agricultural sector. Cotton quickly became unviable, soybeans, peanuts, corn, and livestock were the only way for farmers to profit. After the depression, cotton recovered along with another shift in agriculture. Cotton, peaches, pecans, and peanuts rose to the top of the sector and as the economy recovered, industry gained a foothold, but had a ways to go. -
After World War II 1940-present
Manufacturing would become the dominant industry during this period, emboldened by the previous military funding. A decade after WWII industrial jobs finally outpaced agricultural work. This growth in industry also helped Atlanta grow into a major hub in the southwest. In the agricultural sector, cotton lost it's strength with the growth of new fibers, and peanuts, soybeans, and other crops took it's place. The forestry industry grew rapidly with higher demand for paper, plywood, and lumber.