1. BY: REBECCA LEUNG Life of Antebellum Southern Planters

2. Economy of the South Exported cash crops such as cotton The South depended on slavery to raise the cotton “Cotton is King” Cotton provided ¾ of the world’s supply by 1840s Planters depended on the North for shipping Panic of 1837, which dropped cotton prices, prompted Southerners to establish closer ties with the Europeans

3. The Average Southern Planter Lived in farmhouses Actually, most planters were not aristocrats. Most were from humble origins Statistics: 50% had fewer than 5 slaves, 72% had fewer than 10, and 88% had fewer than 20 Most planters used the money they earned to expand their farms Enjoyed activities such as hunting; took great value in their sporting animals

4. Social Life of a Planter Wealthier planters used money to host balls and parties During these get-togethers people would have chances for friendship, courtship, and display Women looked forward to these parties the most to break the monotony of their domestic lives