Slavery in the South: Society, Economy, and Resistance

What was the primary economic focus of the Old South?

Agricultural society dominated by cotton production and slavery.

How did slavery impact the social structure in the South?

Slavery elevated the status of poor white people, as all whites supported it, aspiring to own slaves.

What were the three subsections of the South?

Lower South (Deep South), Upper South, and Border South.

Which states were included in the Lower South?

South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, and parts of Texas.

What characterized the Upper South?

More mixed agriculture with many small and subsistence farmers; included Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Arkansas.

What was the economic condition of the Border South?

Included Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky, and Missouri; steadily losing slaves as cotton could not be sustained.

What does the phrase 'Cotton is King' signify?

Cotton was the dominant crop fueling northern and British textile mills, making the South a global leader in cotton production.

How did cotton production affect the wealth of southern planters?

Cotton planters grew immensely wealthy, with two-thirds of the nation's richest Americans living in the South.

What was the role of planters in the South?

Planters controlled the South's political, economic, and social life, exercising power far beyond their numbers.

What was the 'cult of honor' in the South?

A social code where one's honor could lead to duels, particularly among southern politicians.

What was the status of women in the South compared to the North?

Women had less freedom in the South due to patriarchy and were expected to be pure and virtuous.

What were the responsibilities of plantation mistresses?

They oversaw household duties, managed slaves, and were expected to honor and obey their husbands.

What was the role of overseers on plantations?

They managed daily activities of slaves and maintained plantation property, often being brutal towards slaves.

What was the highest position a slave could hold?

Driver, who organized small groups of slaves and directed their work.

Who were the 'Plain white folk'?

Small farmers who lived simply, often uneducated, and supported slavery for economic and racial reasons.

What economic activities did tenant farmers and day-laborers engage in?

They worked on others' properties or owned no land, often living in impoverished conditions.

How did the existence of slavery affect the social status of poor white people?

Slavery kept poor whites in a certain status and alleviated competition for jobs and land.

What was the attitude of southern farmers towards the federal government?

They were suspicious and overwhelmingly supported the Democratic Party and Andrew Jackson.

What was the significance of the phrase 'Alabama fever'?

It referred to the migration of people moving south to plant cotton.

What was the impact of the British textile industry's peak on the southern economy?

Cotton prices dropped, negatively affecting the southern economy just before the Civil War.

What was the fastest-growing element in American society during the first half of the 19th century?

Slavery

What were slave codes?

Laws that defined the rights of slaves and slave societies, and free slaves.

Why were slaves kept illiterate?

To maintain control and prevent them from gaining knowledge that could lead to resistance.

What justifications did slaveholders use for slavery?

White supremacy, economic status, and political reasoning.

What was the status of free blacks in the South?

They occupied a status between free and enslaved, often facing restrictions such as taxes and needing white guardians.

What jobs could free blacks hold in the South?

Brick layers, shoe makers, butchers, blacksmiths, barbers, and women as seamstresses or laundresses.

How did the average price of slaves change between 1800 and 1860?

It quadrupled due to the cessation of participation in the slave trade, making American-born slaves more valuable.

What was the life expectancy of slaves compared to whites?

The life expectancy of slaves was 36 years, while whites expected to live to 40.

What was 'The Fancy Trade' in the context of slave auctions?

A practice where slaves were groomed and fed to appear stronger, often focusing on beautiful women for exploitation.

Describe the living conditions of most slaves.

Most lived in 1-2 room cabins with dirt floors, had minimal clothing, and a diet of pork, molasses, and cornmeal.

What was the significance of Sundays for slaves?

Sundays allowed them to work for wages, attend church, and tend gardens.

What challenges did slave women face?

They performed heavy labor, were encouraged to have children for profit, and faced sexual abuse.

What characterized the slave family structure?

Some lived in nuclear families, while others had family members owned by different masters, leading to family separations.

What was 'Afro-Christianity'?

A blend of African, Caribbean, and Christian beliefs that formed the religious practices of enslaved people.

What was the outcome of Gabriel's Rebellion in 1800?

Gabriel Crosser and his followers attempted to capture Richmond but were captured, tried, and hanged.

What happened during the German Coast Uprising in 1811?

Slaves in Louisiana revolted, burning houses and killing whites, but the revolt was crushed by the US army.

What was the goal of Vesey's Revolt in 1822?

To seize Charleston; however, the plan was discovered, leading to the execution of Vesey and others.

What was Nat Turner's Rebellion in 1831?

A revolt led by Nat Turner, who believed God instructed him to lead a slave uprising, resulting in the death of 57 whites.

What methods did slaves use for resistance?

Running away, using the Underground Railroad, feigning illness, and sabotaging crops and tools.

What was the impact of the Underground Railroad?

It provided safe houses and passes that helped approximately 1,500 slaves escape to freedom each year.

What were the consequences of slave resistance efforts?

Resistance often led to harsher living conditions and increased restrictions on slaves.

What was the infant mortality rate among slave babies?

Nearly half of slave babies died in the first year, which was twice the rate of infant mortality among whites.