PLANTOCRACY Meaning and
Definition
-
Plantocracy refers to a social system or ruling class that emerged during colonial times, particularly in the Caribbean region. This term denotes a system of governance where individuals or families of European origin held significant power and control over vast plantations. More specifically, the plantocracy refers to the wealthy landowners and growers of cash crops, such as sugar, tobacco, coffee, or cotton, who dominated the economic and political landscape in British colonies like Barbados, Jamaica, and other Caribbean islands.
The plantocracy was composed of a small group of elite planters who amassed great wealth and influence through the brutal exploitation of enslaved Africans and the profitability of their plantations. They were deeply entrenched in the slave trade and plantation economy and controlled a substantial portion of the region's wealth.
This ruling class of the plantocracy used their economic power to shape colonial policies and secure their own interests, often at the expense of enslaved Africans and other marginalized communities. They exercised considerable political influence by owning numerous plantations and controlling the local legislative assemblies. Their dominance extended not only over the economic and political spheres but also the social and cultural aspects of colonial society.
The term "plantocracy" provides a useful lens through which to understand the dynamics of power, exploitation, and social hierarchy that were prevalent in the British colonies, particularly in the Caribbean region. It serves as a reminder of the historical legacy of colonialism and the profound impact it had on the demographics and social structure of these societies.
Common Misspellings for PLANTOCRACY
- olantocracy
- llantocracy
- -lantocracy
- 0lantocracy
- pkantocracy
- ppantocracy
- poantocracy
- plzntocracy
- plsntocracy
- plwntocracy
- plqntocracy
- plabtocracy
- plamtocracy
- plajtocracy
- plahtocracy
- planrocracy
- planfocracy
- plangocracy
- planyocracy
- plan6ocracy
Etymology of PLANTOCRACY
The word "plantocracy" is derived from two elements: "plantation" and "aristocracy".
The term "plantation" originated in the 16th century and initially referred to a large estate or farm, typically in a tropical or subtropical region, where crops such as sugar, tobacco, or cotton were cultivated. The word has its roots in the Latin word "plantare", meaning "to plant". As European colonial powers established agricultural enterprises in various parts of the world, including the Americas, Africa, and the Caribbean, the term "plantation" became associated with the large-scale production of cash crops through slave labor.
The second element, "aristocracy", traces its roots back to ancient Greece. It comes from the Greek words "aristos", meaning "best", and "kratos", meaning "rule" or "power".
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
