Complete the passage below describing farmers in the post-Civil War United States.

Between the end of the Civil War and the turn of the century, both the South and the West experienced major – shifts. As a result of changes to the nature of farming, many – were driven out of business. These former farmers often became –, who experienced working conditions similar to those of – in the South. sharecroppershomestead farmersslavesEastwage Eraindentured servants

Between the end of the Civil War and the turn of the century, both the South and the West experienced major – shifts - economic

The South lost its enslaved labor force and declined economically. The north boomed, and became an industrial powerhouse, but the large number of immigrants meant that poverty was still widespread, and living conditions became hard in the cities.

As a result of changes to the nature of farming, many – were driven out of business.  - farmers

Many farmers, especially in the South, were not economically viable anymore. Some went North to became industrial workers, others became sharecroppers.

These former farmers often became – sharecroppers

As explained above, many farmers became sharecroppers. Sharecropping is essentially feudalism: the farmer work other person's land and pays a part of the crop as tax.

who experienced working conditions similar to those of - indentured servants.

Just like indentured servants, sharecroppers were almost slaves. Sharecroppers were free in name but harsh economic conditions made it almost impossible to improve their situation.