1. North vs. South Economies & Way of Life
Calhoun Academy
Fourth Grade

2. What’s Essential?
4-6.1 Compare the industrial North and the agricultural South prior to the Civil War, including economies, geographic characteristics, boundaries, and the basic way of life.
The economies and way of life of the North and South developed differently as a result of geographic conditions and the institution of slavery.

3. The South The South developed as an agricultural region: Fertile soil
Temperate climate
Growth of cash crops (tobacco, cotton)
Rivers (for transportation of crops to market)

4. The South
Slavery made an important impact on the way of life in the South.
Slave owners were dependent on slave labor after the invention of the cotton gin.
Slavery was profitable (goods from enslaved Africans brought in twice as much money).
Southerners lived a rural way of life (living on farms and in small towns).

5. The North Developed as an industrial region: Rocky soil
Much shorter growing season
Did not have cash crops
Natural harbors and the abundance of lumber (wood) led Northerners to develop an economy on shipbuilding and commerce.

6. The North In contrast, Northerners lived an urban way of life.
Most people worked in factories and lived in large towns and cities.
Factories were built in the North to take advantage of the swift flowing rivers for water power.
In 1860, 9 of the 10 largest cities in the United States were located in the North!

7. The North The North emancipated (freed) their slaves!
To follow the Declaration of Independence.
Not dependent on slave labor for farms or factories.
Northerners believed in a free labor system.
The industrial revolution brought many immigrants who found jobs in the factories.

8. Differences Between North and South
Populations grew much more quickly in the North.
Banks and Developed transportation at first with canal system, and later with railroads
Public education was a tradition in the North.
Little opportunity for education ; only white wealthy people
Geographic location – need for large spaces for plantations

9. Where was the boundary line?
The boundary line between the North and the South was located on the border between Maryland and Pennsylvania.
Known as the Mason Dixon Line.

11. Write About It…
What are the differences between the North and South (give at least 3). Which area would you live in during this time? Give at least 2 reasons why.