Plantation life refers to the agricultural system that developed in the southern United States, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries. Plantations were large farms that primarily produced cash crops like cotton, tobacco, and sugar. These estates relied heavily on the labor of enslaved people, who worked long hours under harsh conditions to cultivate and harvest the crops. The social structure of plantation life was hierarchical, with wealthy plantation owners at the top, followed by overseers who managed the enslaved workforce. Enslaved individuals lived in simple quarters and had limited rights, facing strict discipline. This system significantly shaped the economy and culture of the region, leading to lasting social and economic impacts.