The New South: Economy, Race, and Politics (1865-1900)

What economic activities characterized the Western economy during the New South era?

Farming, ranching, mining, timber, and oil.

What narrative romanticizes the old plantation culture and denies the role of slavery in the Civil War?

The Lost Cause narrative.

How did the Lost Cause narrative portray African Americans and abolitionists?

It depicted African Americans as satisfied with slavery and demonized abolitionists.

Who was a major proponent of the idea of a 'New South' that promoted education and economic growth?

Henry Woodfin Grady.

What industry became the biggest cotton fabric producer in the New South?

Textile manufacturing.

What was the significance of Buck Duke in the New South economy?

He perfected the manufacturing of cigarettes, leading to the formation of the American Tobacco Company.

What were Redeemers in the context of the New South?

They were conservative, pro-business politicians who sought to redeem the South from Northern domination.

What economic challenges did the New South face?

It remained the least industrialized, least educated, least urban, and least prosperous region, dependent on Northern investment.

What was the crop lien system and why was it problematic?

It involved farmers pledging a portion of their future crop for shelter and materials, leading to economic exploitation and soil depletion.

What caused the decline in cotton prices during the New South?

Overproduction and high availability.

What was the Mississippi Plan?

A series of amendments that disenfranchised African Americans through residency requirements, poll taxes, and literacy tests.

What was the impact of the Mississippi Plan on black registered voters?

It led to a 62% decline in black registered voters in the South.

What Supreme Court case upheld segregation under the 'separate but equal' doctrine?

Plessy v. Ferguson.

What was Jim Crow segregation and its cultural implications?

Laws enforcing racial segregation, accompanied by violent lynchings and societal acceptance of racial violence.

What event involved the violent overthrow of a municipal government in Wilmington, NC?

The Wilmington Insurrection.

How did African Americans respond to segregation?

Responses varied from fleeing the South to pursuing legal challenges and building black communities.

Who was Ida B. Wells and what was her contribution to civil rights?

An ex-slave and journalist who fought against lynching and helped establish the NAACP.

What was Booker T. Washington's approach to improving the lives of African Americans?

He advocated for self-improvement through education and economic advancement rather than fleeing the South.

What criticism did W.E.B. Du Bois have of Booker T. Washington?

He believed civil rights were more important than self-sufficiency and criticized Washington's 'Atlanta Compromise'.

What concept did W.E.B. Du Bois introduce regarding African American identity?

The idea of double consciousness, highlighting the struggle of being both black and American.

What was the role of black women in the community during the New South?

They encouraged care for the elderly, orphaned, and uneducated, fostering a sense of community.

What were the main goals of the Redeemers?

To promote a diverse economy, tax cuts, and public education while maintaining white supremacy.

What was the effect of the New South's reliance on cash crops?

It led to economic vulnerability and dependency on Northern markets.

What was the significance of the American Tobacco Company in the New South?

It became a leading producer of cigarettes, shaping the Southern economy.

How did urbanization and industrial expansion affect the New South?

They contributed to economic growth but also highlighted the region's ongoing struggles with poverty and education.

What was the impact of the crop lien system on Southern agriculture?

It resulted in economic exploitation and contributed to the decline of soil fertility.

What was the cultural significance of lynchings in the South?

They were often treated as public spectacles, reflecting deep-seated racism and societal acceptance of violence.