Sectionalism North V. South

Geography of the North Four distinct seasons jagged New England coast with rocky soil Thick forests in New England Wide plains with rich soil in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey

Economy of the North economy based on manufacturing steam-powered machinery Unskilled laborers worked in factories. The new reaper cut grain more efficiently than a man with a scythe.

Transportation of the North National Road steamboats and clipper ships Erie Canal 20,000 miles of railroads

Society of the North Growing numbers lived in cities. African Americans were free but not equal. Immigrants from Ireland and Germany

Geography of the South mild winters and hot, humid summers coastal plains with swamps and marshes rolling hills and mountain hollows broad, flat rivers

Economy of the South economy based on agriculture small farms Plantations used slaves to raise cash crops, especially cotton. Tredegar Iron Works

Transportation of the South steam-powered riverboats cotton shipped down the rivers The Mississippi River was the mightiest southern river. 10,000 miles of rail

Society of the South Rich planters lived in large mansions. Some white farmers owned their own small farms. Free African Americans worked as craftspeople, servants, and laborers. Wealthy planters enslaved African Americans.