Life in the South 1820-1860

Many tobacco farmers shifted to cotton Cotton Economy Demand for cotton increased (esp. with growth of textile industry in Britain) and South became the “Cotton Kingdom” FL, GA, SC Grew rice and sugar, but these were labor intensive crops – shifted to cotton 1830s Many tobacco farmers shifted to cotton

There were numerous reasons for the South’s dependency on cotton… Profitability of cotton production So much money was invested in cotton that there wasn’t much money left to invest in anything else The belief that Southerners were not as ambitious and didn’t have the work ethic of Northerners Many white Southerners began to see themselves as representatives of a special “Southern” way of life made up of Chivalry Leisure Elegance Honor There was great emphasis put on being a “gentleman” and exhibiting courtesy and respect

Southern Identity The wealthy Southern plantation owners (and those that wanted to be wealthy plantation owners) longed for a lifestyle like that of the old European aristocracy … to be wealthy, well- born and stately. But, most of these Southerners were first generation farmers that had made their wealth through cotton. The southern identity in many ways was a way to further their perceived status. Within this identity, women maintained a specific role… Hostess, mistress of the house Nurturing mother to their children (they had more than Northern women on average) No public employment or political activity

“Poor Whites” Only around 15% of the white population in the South owned slaves. They Faced a lack of educational opportunities Had very little money, were subsistence farmers Many believed that slavery threatened their independence (their identity was linked to their desire to prove their ability to support themselves and get by on the few resources they had)