Life Before the American Civil War Chapter 14-15

The American Civil War was: A military conflict between the United States of America (the Union), and the Confederate States of America (the Confederacy) from 1861- 1865 North- the Union South- the Confederacy (the south was also called the ante-bellum which stood for “before the war”)

Major Differences North Industry Middle Class Immigrant labor Protected Tariff (a tax placed on imported goods) South Agriculture (cotton) No middle class Slave labor No protected tariff

Free States and Slave States Before the Civil War: Red- slave states, Green- free states, Beige- territories open to slavery                        

Let’s Start with the South: The economy of the South was very strong. Economy was based on cotton production which depended on slave labor. The period of cotton growing was called King Cotton. Industry did not grow as quickly in the South as it did in the North. Some Southern leaders did want industry in the region. They thought the South depended too much on the North for factory goods.

The South Cont. Transportation systems in the South were different from those in the North. In the South, farmers and the few factory owners they moved their goods on natural waterways. Most towns were located on coasts or along rivers. There were few canals, and roads were poor. The South had fewer railroads than the North. Southern rail lines were not long, and they were not linked together. Poor railroad systems are another reason Southern cities grew more slowly

Southern Population 11 states 9,000,000 people 3,500,000 slaves

Social Classes of Southern Society: Gentry- Highest class; Small group that owned large farms. Yeomen- Large group that owned small farms. They grew crops to use themselves and to trade with local merchants. Yeomen generally owned few or no enslaved African Americans. Tenant farmers - The poorest of white southerners and were greatly in debt. Slaves- Lowest class whose lives were completely controlled by the gentry.

Slavery Slaves originally came from Africa; they were taken by white colonists to America and became personal property of the gentry. The main purpose of having slaves was to serve white people’s every need, especially picking cotton from the cotton plantation fields.

Slaves Working on a Plantation, 1862

Slavery cont. Slaves were a big investment for wealthy plantation owners; in 1860, a slave could cost $2,000. Slave masters had total control over slaves’ lives. Slaves were often physically abused and raped.

Slavery cont. Slaves could not own guns. Slave owners also threatened to kill slaves and their families if they tried to escape. Plantations had codes, or customary treatment, to control slaves and prevent rebellion. (write down at least two codes below) Slaves could not own guns. Slaves could not strike a white person. Slaves could not testify in court. Slaves could not leave the master’s plantation without permission. Slaves were not allowed to read or write.

Other Characteristics Not many big cities Not many schools (people hired tutors) Government- the main political party of the south was the Whig party. Southern Whigs were pro-slavery. Popular Sovereignty- idea suggested by southern states that people of a certain territory should have the right to decide whether the territory should be admitted as a slave or free state.

And now the North… Economy was based on industries, businesses, and commerce North had many manufacturing factories. The biggest business of the north was in railroad construction. Transportation was easier because of railroads. The north focused on internal developments such as the railroads, canals, and roads.

Factories and Working Conditions The number of people working in factories continued to rise. By 1840, the average workday was 11.4 hours. Workers became very tired and more likely to have work accidents. Many factory machines had rapidly moving parts. Workers, especially children, were often hurt by the machines. There were no laws to control working conditions or protect workers. Children worked in factories. They worked six days a week and 12 hours or more a day. The work was dangerous and hard. Reformers called for laws that would make factories have shorter hours and better conditions. It was many years before such laws were passed.

The North 23 states 23,000,000 people Bigger cities than the south such as New York and Boston

The North cont. In addition to having a strong economy, the north had a strong government as well. They had better representation in Congress than the south did. Democrats- the main political party of the north. In the North, slavery was mostly ended by the 1830s. However, racial prejudice—an unfair opinion of a group—and discrimination—unfair treatment of a group—continued. They were abolitionists- people against slavery.

Immigration Between 1840 and 1860, immigration to the United States increased greatly. The greatest number of immigrants came from Ireland. About 1.5 million people came. They left because there was famine, or an extreme shortage of food. Over a million people had died in Ireland. The second-largest group of immigrants came from Germany. Some wanted work and opportunity. Others left to escape political problems.

Immigration In the 1830s and 1840s, some Americans were against immigration. These Americans were called nativists. They believed that immigrants would make life hard for “native,” or American-born, citizens. They said immigrants would take jobs from “real” Americans. They said immigrants brought crime and disease. In 1849, nativists formed a new political party. Their members often answered questions about their group by saying, “I know nothing.” That is why they were known as the Know-Nothing Party. The Know- Nothings wanted laws that would make it harder to become a citizen.