Growing separation between the north and south Flashcards
Growing isolation in the south
1800: slavery was the dominant form of labour
By 1860: slavery was a minority form (Cuba, Brazil and Southern states only)
North opposed slavery as
A threat to white people
Many southerners felt trapped
By the cotton economy
Cotton was less important to the north
Northern population growth meant
The north started to gain power over the south in House of Representatives
Southern fears about the north deciding the fates of western territories
Slave economy
Prices for land and slaves rose
Cotton was hard on/exhausted the soil
Prices increased
Increased southern wealth on an already wealthy elite
Number of people owning slaves decreased (smaller slaveholders sold their slaves)
Proportion dropped by 1/3 between 1830 and 60
Average farm size grew by 20% between 1850 and 60
Discussions of reopening
The slave trade in hopes of lowering prices
Hoped slaveholding would grow in the west (this failed)
Southern elites believed the westward expansion of slavery
Would solve all of the south’s economic problems
Fear of the slaves
Dated back as far as Jefferson
Fear of a slave rebellion
Limitations to industrialisation
Cultural factors
Southern identity rooted in existence of slavery
Society built around the paternal influence of the master
Top to bottom ideas
System of social relations grounded in slavery
Limitations to industrialisation
Economic factors
Selling slaves or bringing in outside capital
Little consumer demand for further industrialisation in the south
4 million people did not buy goods (the slaves)
Developed a limited industrial base to supply needs
