The Old South and Its Economy

Study Notes

The Old South

Cotton Economy: Cotton's growth was fueled by the Industrial Revolution. Initially, cotton was grown in the Deep South, including South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. Later, this expanded westward across the South. By 1860, the U.S. produced three-quarters of the world's cotton. This crop's profitability discouraged significant industrial development in the South.
Other Crops: The Upper South (Virginia, North Carolina) primarily grew wheat, corn, and tobacco. Rice was the main crop of the coast in South Carolina and Georgia. The Lower Louisiana region focused on sugar production.
Lack of Manufacturing: By 1860, the South produced only 9% of the United States' manufactured goods. Cotton's profitability made pursuing manufacturing less appealing.
Lack of Cities: The South's economic and social structure resulted in fewer cities compared to the more industrialized North.

Slavery

Slave Ownership: In 1860, roughly one-quarter of white southerners owned slaves. Most slave owners held few slaves. A small percentage of whites (planters) owned twenty or more, and a smaller group owned 50 or more.
Free Farmers: Many farmers in the South didn't own slaves and worked their own land. They primarily grew crops for subsistence (like corn, wheat), livestock (pigs). Some also grew small amounts of cotton to supplement their income. They aspired to become slave owners.
Labor Systems: Two primary systems existed to organize enslaved labor:
Task System: Enslaved people were given specific tasks each day, which could motivate them to work quickly.
Gang System: Enslaved people worked in large groups under the close supervision of overseers.
Classes of Enslaved People: Enslaved people were categorized, and their work varied.
House Servants: Worked in the master's house.
Drivers: Oversee other enslaved people.
Skilled Slaves: Performed skilled labor like carpentry.
Field Hands: Worked in the fields.
Core Problem for Enslaved Persons: Lack of freedom, and the vulnerability of families being separated by sales or owners' wills.
Slavery as Culture: Enslaved people maintained their African-rooted culture within the American context. Slave families were important, as were music (such as spirituals, using instruments such as the banjo), religious practices, as well as Christianity.
Free Blacks: These people were less than 10% of the African American population in the South. They primarily lived in the Upper South. They usually held low-skilled labor jobs. A small percentage managed to own small amounts of property or enslaved people.

Additional Notes

Economic Side of Slavery: Slave owners viewed slaves as investments, seeking to maximize their labor and profits.
Cotton Production: The Industrial Revolution and the British textile industry drove high demand for cotton. This fueled Southern agricultural production significantly.
Religion among Enslaved People: Prior to the Civil War religious practices were often held in secret due to the need to maintain their faith, songs, and communities without upsetting their owners. The Methodist and Baptist churches saw significant growth in enslaved communities.