90 likes | 224 Views
Reshaping the South. Economics and Politics. Focus Question. “40 Acres and a Mule” What does this phrase allude to? What was it meant to provide people? Explain in a short, 2-3 sentence response. U.S. History Objectives :. After today’s lesson, you will:
E N D
Reshaping the South Economics and Politics
Focus Question “40 Acres and a Mule” What does this phrase allude to? What was it meant to provide people? Explain in a short, 2-3 sentence response.
U.S. History Objectives: After today’s lesson, you will: • Identify the development of the sharecropping system and its impact on the southern population • Examine the impact of Reconstruction governments
Economic Ruin in the South • The War devastated the Southern economy • Northern blockade cut off foreign trade • Few domestic producers • War cut off internal trade routes • Labor force entirely disrupted
The Sharecropping System • Based on a single cash crop • Landowner rents the land • Sharecropper pays a portion of the crop • Simple arrangement • In theory, the Sharecropper would eventually be able to purchase the land
Sharecroppers Trapped • Tied to the land • Could never save enough to buy the farm • Trapped by Market Forces • Single crop left ‘croppers highly dependent • Contracts drawn up to support landowners • However, they were able to buy some land for their families
Summary: • Explain why it is important to learn this material from today.