Summary of Planter Aristocracy and Its Impact

Pre-Civil War South characterized as an oligarchy, not a democracy.
Dominated by a planter aristocracy; 1,733 families owned over one hundred slaves each in 1850.
Plantation system produced significant political and social leaders; referred to as "cottonocracy."
Wealth concentrated among planter aristocrats leading to educational advantages for their children.
Prominent figures like John C. Calhoun and Jefferson Davis benefited from elite education.
Majority of front-rank statesmen before 1860 were from Virginia, viewed as more honorable compared to the "dollar-grubbing" North.
Aristocracy created a wider gap between rich and poor, undermining public education.
Southern elites admired Sir Walter Scott, seeking to emulate a feudal society despite their capitalistic activities.
Mark Twain criticized Scott for inspiring southerners to defend a failing social structure, labeling it as a "sham civilization."

Plantation life influenced the roles and experiences of southern women.
Plantation mistresses managed large staffs of female slaves responsible for household chores.
Relationships between mistresses and slaves varied from close to abusive, with some slaves feeling pride in their roles as "members" of the household.