The Worlds of North and South

1. The Worlds of North and South Geography, Transportation, Economy, Society

2. Similarities • Northerners and southerners shared the same language, and worshipped in the same kinds of churches • Shared a fierce pride in their country and their faith in democracy

3. Differences • Outlook and attitude of northerners and southerners on many things very different • During the 1800s differences led to conflicting views on many issues • At times it seemed they were living in two separate worlds

4. Geography North • Four distinct seasons • Shorter growing season • New England coast perfect for harbors • Thick forests, winding rivers • Areas of fertile farmland South • Mild winters, long growing season • Coastal plains with fertile lowlands-good for growing rice, fishing • Pine forests for lumber • Broad, flat rivers, fertile farmland

5. Economy North • Industrial Revolution-economy based on manufacturing • Textile factories • Steam engines • Steam powered machinery • Factory workers South • Economy based on agriculture • Small farms • Plantations used slaves to raise cash crops, especially cotton

6. Transportation North • National Road across Appalachian mtns. • Steamboats and clipper ships (fast) • Erie Canal • 20,000 miles of railroads South • Steam powered river boats • Cotton shipped down the rivers • Mississippi River mightiest southern river • 10,000 miles of railroads

7. Society North • Growing number of people lived in cities • Small family farms • African Americans were free but not equal • Immigrants from Ireland and Germany South • Rich planters lived in large mansions • Most white southerners owned some land but only 1 in 4 owned even 1slave • Small number of free blacks who worked as craftspeople, servants, laborers • Majority of African Americans were slaves

8. Summary: Geography was the primary reason northerners and southerners developed differently • North-variety of trades and businesses • Industrial Revolution led to the development of factories and mills • Increasing number of people went to work as wage earners • Improvement in transportation made it easier for northerners to travel and ship goods • South-depended primarily on agriculture • Minority of white southerners owned slaves but much of the South’s economy depended on slave labor • People continued to travel by river and rail lines were few • Society divided into ranks-wealthy enjoyed great influence and power, even poorest whites ranked above African Americans, whether free or slave