Differences Divide the North and South Regional Differences Pages 477-478

Regional Differences Many differences developed over time as people found different ways of making a living. In the mid-1800s most Americans still worked on farms. Life was changing for many people.

Living in the North In the North, factories were everywhere making all kinds of goods. Many people were leaving their farms and moving to the city for better paying jobs.

Living in the South Life in the South was not changing as quickly. Factories were being built and cities were growing but farming remained the most common way to make a living.

Southern Plantations Huge plantations were found along the Coastal Plain and near the Mississippi River. Planters raised acres of cash crops such as cotton, rice, tobacco, and sugarcane to sell at market. Wealthy plantation owners were the leaders in the South.

A Divided South Although there were many plantations, most people lived on small farms, where they raised cattle, cut lumber, and grew only enough food to feed their families.

Populations Many more people lived in the North than in the South. By 1860 the population of the North was more than 19 million. In the South the population was 7 million with nearly 4 million Africans held as slaves.

Let’s Compare Economy In the North many people moved to cities to work in factories. In the South farming remained the most important industry.

Let’s Compare Population More people lived in the North than in the South. Fewer people lived in the South than in the North.

Let’s Compare Slavery The North ended slavery and was against its spread to the West. The South allowed Slavery and was in favor of its spread to the West.