GA remained pred. rural, w/ most of its citizens attempting to survive as farmers. The loss of the slave labor force dealt a severe blow to cotton production, which, compounded by a decline in the demand for cotton worldwide, left GA agriculture in dire financial circumstances. Neglected by a gov focused on industrial & business opportunities, farmers had no choice but to participate in the tenant and crop lien systems, which imposed an exploitative and stifling credit system. (jan 1, 1874