Which group made up around 75% of Georgia's population?

The group that made up around 75% of Georgia's population was comprised of yeoman farmers. Yeoman farmers were small landowners who primarily engaged in subsistence farming. They were essential to Georgia's agricultural economy and society, especially during the 19th century when agriculture was the backbone of the state's economy.

Yeoman farmers typically owned their land and were independent producers, which set them apart from larger planters who operated extensive plantations and often relied heavily on enslaved labor. This distinction is crucial to understanding the social structure of the time. The prominence of yeoman farmers reflects the values of self-sufficiency and individualism that characterized this segment of society, and they contributed significantly to local economies and communities.

In contrast, the other groups mentioned, such as planters and middling planters, represented smaller segments of the population. Planters, who owned large tracts of land and numerous enslaved individuals, made up a minority of the overall population compared to yeoman farmers. Similarly, while free persons of color held a unique place within Georgia's demographic landscape, they constituted a smaller proportion of the population when compared to yeoman farmers. Understanding the role and prevalence of yeoman farmers provides insight into the social dynamics and economic systems that shaped