How does the first paragraph set the stage for hardships described later?

the answer is c sharecroppers were trapped in a cycle of poverty and debt.

explanation:

one of the major disadvantages of sharecropping system is that the sharecroppers or the planters are stucked in an unhealthy cycle of debts. this happens because planters will be allowed to loan merchandise from the land-owner and will soon be paid by the farmer in his share in the farm come harvest time. hope this !

by kd

d. it gave farmers a way to organize for more political power