Differences between the North and South 1861-1865

Question 1

Southern states’s stance on slavery

Answer 1

Strongly supported the institution of slavery for economic, social and political reasons.

Question 2

Why was there tension between North and South on the issue of slavery

Answer 2

The South were convinced that the economy, and particular plantations, would collapse without the use of cheap slave labour and resented interference from the North

Question 3

The reason for Southern supportive stance on slavery

Answer 3

The economy of the South relied on cotton and tobacco, both labour-intensive in their cultivation. As capital was tied up in slave ownership, slaves became a measure of wealth, and a sign of status.

Question 4

Economic difference

• The growth of industry in the North

Answer 4

Increasing internal and foreign trade and improvements in transport by canal, river and road, led to the growth of a range of industries such as engineering and textiles.

Question 5

Economic difference

• The Southern industries

Answer 5

Despite having 35% of the population, produced only 10% of the nation’s manufactured goods in 1860

Question 6

Economic difference

• Southern farming industries

Answer 6

The South retained its agrarian, farming-based economy. A large part of the Southern workforce was involved in the production of cotton, with some tobacco and rice.

Question 7

Economic difference

• South depending on the North

Answer 7

The Southern states were dependent on Northern credit to finance their sugar, cotton and tobacco plantations and to transport and market their goods, and resented the profits made by their rivals in the North

Question 8

Political difference

• Southern states

Answer 8

Many Southern states and Democrats from the South were anxious to prevent a president or Congress introducing legislation which might affect their interests, particularly with reference to slavery.

Question 9

Political difference

• Northern politicians

Answer 9

Less hostile to the growth in power of the president and Congress and less supportive of the rights of individual states

Question 10

Economic difference

• Trade in the South

Answer 10

The South supported free trade in order to encourage greater trade with Britain

Question 11

Economic difference

• Trade in the North

Answer 11

The North favoured tariffs to protect the new industries from competition from industries in Europe

Question 12

Implication of economic difference on the Civil War

Answer 12

Economic differences were more important than slavery in causing the Civil War.