what would happen if the sharecroppers were put into a chain gang?

In America the chain gang consists of prisoners, people who have commited crimes. These people were historically treated poorly.... many died, many become sick. The sharecroppers were farmers....... they weren't criminals; their qulaity of life would have been next to nothing for no reason. Why would anyone shackle or even consider shackling people who'd done no wrong. That would be slavery..... is slavery the topic you're looking to link into here?