Long-run Impacts of Agricultural Shocks on Educational Attainment: Evidence from the Boll Weevil, 12 U.S. States, 1900-1940

This study examines the spread of boll weevils on cotton cultivation in the Southeastern United States, and its effects on child labor attaining education. Researchers used 1940 census records to link a sample of adults back to their childhood census records, ranging from ages 4 to 9. Data tracked cotton and farm acreage from the late nineteenth century and boll weevil arrival during the early twentieth century by state and county. Student enrollment and number of teachers based on race were calculated.