Old South Economy and Slavery Overview

What was the annual cost of a slave during this period?

The gang system provided incentives for slaves to work harder.

What type of slaves oversaw other slaves on the plantation?

Slaves made up _____% of Methodist and Baptist congregations in the south prior to the Civil War.

Match the types of slaves with their roles:

Which of the following was NOT a class of slaves mentioned?

Slave marriages were universally recognized under the law.

What cultural influence helped provide comfort to slaves?

Which region in the South was primarily known for growing cotton?

By 1860, the South produced 75% of the world's cotton.

What type of crops were predominantly grown in the Upper South?

In 1860, the South produced only ___ % of United States manufactured goods.

Match the following states to their primary agricultural products:

What was a significant reason for the lack of manufacturing in the South?

The planter class comprised 10% of the white population in the South.

What did many free farmers in the South aspire to be?

The Old South Economy

Cotton production boomed due to the Industrial Revolution's demand for textiles in Britain and America
Cotton cultivation initially centered in the Deep South (South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama)
Cotton farming expanded westward during the first half of the 19th century encompassing Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas
"Cotton is King" - a phrase highlighting cotton's dominance in the Southern economy, as stated by Senator James Henry Hammond in 1858.
The US produced three-quarters of the world's cotton by 1860.
Other significant crops included wheat, corn, tobacco, rice, and sugar in specific regions of the South.
Manufacturing was limited in the South, with only 9% of US manufactured goods produced in the South by 1860. This was due to cotton's high profitability.
Few cities existed in the South.

Slavery in the South

One-quarter of white southerners owned slaves in 1860.
Most slave owners held only a few slaves. A smaller planter class owned 20 or more while a very small wealthy planter class owned 50 or more.
Free farmers (non-slave owners) cultivated crops primarily for their families (80-160 acres), including corn, wheat, and vegetables; they also maintained livestock (pigs).
Free farmers also grew small amounts of cotton to supplement their income.
Many aspired to become slave owners (a "Good Life").

Slave Labor Systems

Task System: Slaves were assigned specific tasks daily. Ensured a quickened work pace.
Gang System: Slaves worked in larger groups under the supervision of overseers to improve productivity.
Slaves worked from daybreak until nightfall.

Slave Classes and Problems

House servants: worked in the plantation homes
Drivers: oversaw other slaves
Skilled workers (blacksmiths, carpenters, and masons)
Field workers
Core problem for slaves - lack of freedom
Potential for slave families being split
Slave marriages weren't legally recognized in some cases.

Explore the complex economic landscape of the Old South, where cotton production thrived due to the Industrial Revolution. This quiz covers the significance of slavery and agricultural practices in shaping the Southern economy during the 19th century, particularly focusing on major crops and regional dominance.