American plantations were large agricultural estates primarily found in the southern United States during the 17th to 19th centuries. They focused on the mass production of cash crops such as cotton, tobacco, and sugar, which were essential to the economy. Plantations often required extensive land and labor, leading to the establishment of a system that relied heavily on enslaved people. The plantation system significantly shaped American society and economy, creating a distinct social hierarchy. Wealthy plantation owners held considerable power, while enslaved individuals faced harsh conditions and limited rights. This system contributed to regional differences and tensions that eventually led to the American Civil War.