Comparing the Social and Cultural Characteristics of the North, South, and West during the Antebellum Period

Factors the Affected the Regions Differences in economies as a result of geography Regional pride leading to sectionalism Westward expansion made the tensions worse eventually leading to southern secession and war

The North Slavery was almost nonexistent Strongly influenced by the early Puritans and Quakers Population was very diverse due to immigrants who went to work in the industries Early influence of education in order to read the Bible Supported political issues that benefitted their region

Northern Supported Political Issues High Tariffs – These made northern produced goods less expensive than those imported from foreign countries National Bank

The South Greatly influenced by its agricultural economy Still had many plantations whose elite controlled government, culture, and society even though the majority of the southerners were common farmers who did not own slaves This resulted in very few large towns or cities there

Continued Only the children of the elite received an education as there was no public education It was forbidden to teach slaves to read or write There was a significant number of free blacks who were primarily artisans therefore the African Americans did make an impact on the culture and society.

Southern Supported Political Issues Low tariffs Expansion of slavery into new territories

The West Settlers who moved west took the culture of the region they left with them If you came from the old Northwest Territory you usually reflected the values of New England If you came from a southern state took your southern culture and values with you

Western Supported Political Issues Cheap land Internal improvements (especially transportation) Uncontrolled banking

African Americans Lived in all regions of the US In the 1830s the North had started emancipating their slaves though some still held slaves in bondage Northwest Ordinance of 1786 did forbid slavery in the Northwest Territory

African American Rights No matter where they lived they did NOT have the same rights as whites except to marry legally They could not vote Usually did not get a job if a white also applied for it De facto segregation (by tradition not law) existed in the North – they may not be slaves but they were still segregated from the whites

continued In the South the living conditions frequently depended on the owners of plantations if they were enslaved. Freedmen in the South usually had a better life than in the North because they could find work as artisans. Those slaves with skills were sometimes allowed to work for wages off the plantations using those skills. The money they earned could be used to buy their freedom Their civil and political rights in the South were as limited as in the North.