Based on the readings for Weeks 2 and 3, answer the
following question: to what extent were the North and South different societies?
Consider perceptions at the time, and
the views of historians since.
The North had advanced from a single self sufficient farm society to a more industrial modern society that used industry to mass produce employing unskilled labour. The south did not follow this shift to the same extent, they continued to function with plantations and slaves. Attitudes to slavery begin to shift in the north and the abolitionists movement grow making ‘plantation’ society no longer acceptable according to those in the north. Tension arises from attitudes not just to slavery but also to perceptions that each ‘side’ has of the other. The north believing themselves to be advanced and forward thinking and viewing the south as backwards and cruel. julia lindner 18551475
During the period in question the North and South were vastly different societies. The South functioned as a slave society that was heavily dependent on its slave labour force to drive its thriving agricultural sector, which centred on the production of cotton. Alternatively the North prospered on the back of its Industrial based economy, which utilized a free labour force. Despite the perceived separation between the two societies, they relied on each other heavily, as the South required people to utilize and export the cotton they produced, while the North required the cotton, to drive its own manufacturing industry.
The North and South before the American Civil War appeared to be vastly different states. As according to 'Southerners' including James Henry Hammond and George Fitzhugh, the South were 'superior' due to its economic agricultural success through cotton farming, as well as having a strong religious perspective and a state without 'mobs, no trade unions, no strikes for higher wages, no armed resistance to the law, but little jealousy of the rich to the poor.'(Fitzhugh, p.28 of textbook). The 'catch' however, was the strong ownership of Slaves to produce agricultural goods. This differed to the North, who had moved forward into a 'Market Revolution', with agricultural goods being manufactured and goods being sold for a 'cash economy' to begin. As Northerners had moved away from Slavery, they commented on the South's inability to let go of slaves and move forward into the new industrial world- 'A salary must be paid to an overseer to compel the slave to work; the free man is impelled by the desire of increasing the comforts of himself and family.'(Lydia Maria Child, p.59) Tara Crivari
As the Civil War approached it was, from a retrospective perspective, clear that the North and South had in many ways drifted apart from one another to the degree that unity seemed, and was, very difficult. Economically the North and South had gone in different directions, with one industrializing and the other further developing a thriving agricultural. Obviously social norms and beliefs had evolved differently causing clashes within the church and on basic moral terms (slavery, role of women). However what truly stands out is the tone in which key figures refer to those of opposing beliefs suggesting a deeply rooted and staunchly supported disdain for those with whom they eventually fought. Zach Littmann 22665005
One of the most prominent factors differentiating the North and South as societies was their views on slavery. With the South dependent on their ‘slave society’ and their cotton production profit rocketing in the 19th Century, the South’s economy along with many other aspects of its society would collapse. Historians such as Hammond and Fitzhugh believed that their economy growth is what made them superior to the North along with their strong religious stance. The North, on the other hand, did not rely so heavily on slavery with their modernizing culture and urban society with flourishing industrial fields. With the North in the center of a market revolution, it was clear that they had transformed from a society of ‘barter and exchange’ to a ‘cash economy’ as Stokes and Conway both described it. The North was ideologically and economically different from the South.
One of the most prominent factors differentiating the North and South as societies was their views on slavery. With the South dependent on their ‘slave society’ and their cotton production profit rocketing in the 19th Century, the South’s economy along with many other aspects of its society would collapse. Historians such as Hammond and Fitzhugh believed that their economy growth is what made them superior to the North along with their strong religious stance. The North, on the other hand, did not rely so heavily on slavery with their modernizing culture and urban society with flourishing industrial fields. With the North in the centre of a market revolution, it was clear that they had transformed from a society of ‘barter and exchange’ to a ‘cash economy’ as Stokes and Conway both described it. The North was ideologically and economically different from the South.
During the period of the Civil War, the North and South were fundamentally different societies. While some historians such as David Potter argued that culturally far more similarities existed between the two societies than differences, which to an extent may be true, economically and ideologically the two remained divided and very far apart. The South (a 'slave society') strongly depended upon cotton production and agricultural output for their economy, relying upon slaves which subsequently made a number of white slaveholders extremely wealthy. Conversely, the North (a 'market society') was more developed and industrialised with a stronger infrastructure, consisting of more expansive train networks, almost four times the number of public schools, etc.
As the Civil War drew near, it became clear that the South and North had drawn so far apart that war was inevitable. From a third perspective the two seemed worlds apart, the North industrialised, pursuing larger corporations and establishing banks, the South...rural agriculture, depending on the North to manufacture their goods such as cotton. Linking to the obvious difference of slavery was religion. The South believed themselves superior as their ‘connection to God differentiated (Southerners) from the unfaithful (Northerners’). Religion, as seen throughout history, formed many of the basic arguments for pursuing war. Moustafa Moustafa 22052380
By the 1850's, when tension rife between the Northern and Southern states, those who identified as part of the 'Union' had managed to morph into an industrial society, complete with factories and a paid 'free' work force. The south was, on the other hand, strictly agricultural, it hadn't experienced an industrial revolution like the North and the back bone of its economy was the use of slaves. Religion played a huge part in how white Southerners saw themselves in relation to the North (Historians such as Hammond believed that this made the South superior) and cemented societal division between the Union and the Confederacy.
In the period before the Civil War, it is clear that the North and South were vastly different societies. Economically the North progressed with the beginnings of an industrial society whilst the south continued to rely on agricultural, namely cotton, farming. Socially, the North stressed ideals of the 'separate spheres' for men and women, whilst the south's farming lifestyle called for participation from both genders. Of course the most pronounced difference was slavery. The South prospered from being a slave state, whilst the North relied on free labour. Slavery in itself accounts for a huge range of social, economic and cultural differences between the North and the South. However it is important to note that the issue of slavery did not necessary divide the North and South in terms of racism. Indeed the prominent view of abolition as opposed to anti slavery proved that racism was a concurrent theme on both sides.
I'm going to go against the grain and argue slavery was not the MOST significant difference between the North and South before the Civil War - both societies were endorsing some form of slave trade. The political motivations of the North starkly contrasted to the political objectives of the South; their attitudes toward slavery echoing their political perspectives. The North was industrially progressive and as Northern society became more urbanized, subsequently the North became more globalized. Inevitably, the North would have become a more culturally diverse society - and did. Religion was not as rigid in the North as it was in the South - the North were more flexible. The South were proud of their economic ' Independence' and thus felt they were able to maintain their 'cultural integrity'. The South were trying to uphold an image; one of which was made possible due to their economic strength. The reading by George Fitzhugh supports my contention: ' It is a distinction to be a Southerner, as it was once to be a Roman citizen'. Politically the North were becoming far more democratic . ' The Southerner... is content in being. Here is the grand distinction between him and the Northerner; for the Northerner enjoys progress in itself'( Frederick Law Olmsted, page 60, textbook).
One could hardly state that North and South were too similar neither too totally different societies; however, historians argue that while they were culturally homogenous, some differences can be found in certain aspects. Such institutions as religion, language, and political system were similar for North and South, additionally, North considered itself superior over South and vice versa. On the other hand, one of the major differences between North and South is its attitude towards slavery. While South was a slave society, North was a society with slaves. In its turn, South was characterised by agricultural economy oriented on cotton production and North was characterised by manufacturing or industrial economy. Moreover, Southerners and Northerners were perceived to have different temperaments: fiery and cool respectively. On top of that, folk culture was typical for South and modernising culture for North.
It is evident that the North and the South were indeed two largely diverse societies, both through cultural and economical differences that result in the infliction and separation of the states before the American Civil War. The North appears mostly developed through its early manufacturing economy within their society, where they ultimately formed an industrial cash economy, becoming independent of slaves. The South, on the other hand where running a slave society in a more agricultural environment, where their economy and cash flow was heavily reliant on the work done by slaves. Not only had the North nearly abolished slavery from their economy differing from that of the South, religious values also displayed a significant contrast from the distant societies.
In the lead up to the Civil War, the North and South increasingly became different societies and began to see themselves as polar opposites. by the 1850s the North had well and truly established itself as a 'market society' as it became industrious through the development of 'the American system of manufacturing' and its increased involvement in distant markets. On the other hand, the South was essentially a 'slave society' as slavery became fundamental to the southern economic, social and political structure. Although historians such as David Potter argue the objective similarity thesis, that both societies had "commonalities of law, religion, language, political system, racism and heritage" (week 2 lecture slide 4: The Impending Crisis) both states were objectively different as there was the southern 'folk culture' vs. northern 'modernising culture', and the southern rural agriculture vs. the urban industry in the north.
A generally accepted view by historians is that the South was a ‘slave society’ and not just a society with slaves, with around 4 million slaves in 1850. In economic terms after the cotton boom the slaves were the most profitable assets to the agricultural south whereas the industrial north profited mostly from their institutions, specifically the Erie Canal. Politically, there was a major difference in the north and south because of the debate between federalism and centralism. Socially, the north and south were seen as two different civilisations because of their views on slavery and how they used religion to either attack or defend this view. Other major social differences were the roles of women in society and most importantly education, with the rates of illiteracy 7 to 8 times higher in the south than they were in the north.
In the lead up to the Civil War the North and the South were greatly different societies . Economically the South were continuing to rely heavily on the agricultural sectors such as cotton and tobacco, whilst utilizing the slave labour forces. In contrast to this the North was moving away from agricultural and towards a market society , using the free labour forces. As the North progressed into an industrial society they developed ideals that men and women had different roles and responsibilities. A man should be out in the workforce , where as women belonged in the home and raising children. Unlike the North the South still required all members of the household to work , male or female to ensure economical success .
in the years preceding the American Civil war the differences between the North and South were becoming increasingly prevalent. The economy of the north was developing into an early market economy, driven by the 'American System of Manufacturing' and a strong desire held by many northerners of the values of hard work. this was completely juxtaposed by the slave driven agricultural economy, which according to many Northerns lead to a lazy and unfulfilling lifestyle. Moreover the awareness of North and Southern citizens of an increasing schism between their societies lean to an unbridgeable gap.
Generally speaking, states in the North were more densely populated, largely urbanised, and with an economy grounded in industry and trade. Southerners led more rural lives, and made their living through farming and plantation, particularly of cotton. Whilst slavery was still alive in the North, it was limited, and not the basis of the economy. Southern agriculture required slave labour to make it a profitable enterprise.
The North and South held diametric perceptions of each other. The North saw themselves as inherently modern; with public education widely available, an economic ideology which emphasised opportunity for the individual, and a better educated populace, they saw themselves as enlightened. Consequently, they saw slavery as a hindrance to American civilisation. Northerner Rowen insists that slavery impedes social and economic progress in the South. Olmstead describes the typical Southerner as childish, careless and bigoted, and ignorant of protestant ideals. Southerners held opposing views. They saw themselves as living in a stable, bucolic society which enabled them to intellectually and morally cultivate themselves to a higher standard. Northern values, according to Fitzhugh, makes one cold hearted and feeble minded.
The validation or dismissal of slavery on religious grounds was hotly contested between North and South. Passages from the Bible were reinterpreted to support the arguments of Northerners who were against the spread of slavery, and Southerners who justified slavery through the honour and tradition present in the institution.
One of the few things the two sides had in common was a mutual distrust of abolitionists, as evidenced in the severe response to Angelina Grimke’s speech at Pennsylvania Hall.
Northerners felt that having an economy built on slave labour was foolish and morally degrading, whilst Southerners felt that antislavery movements threatened their social order. Levine claims that antebellum North and South weren’t just different; they became downright hostile to each other, with incompatible values and ideology. The diverging aims and interests between the two groups led to the polarisation of the states into two main camps, which would form the Union and Confederacy.
The North had advanced from a single self sufficient farm society to a more industrial modern society that used industry to mass produce employing unskilled labour. The south did not follow this shift to the same extent, they continued to function with plantations and slaves. Attitudes to slavery begin to shift in the north and the abolitionists movement grow making ‘plantation’ society no longer acceptable according to those in the north. Tension arises from attitudes not just to slavery but also to perceptions that each ‘side’ has of the other. The north believing themselves to be advanced and forward thinking and viewing the south as backwards and cruel.
ReplyDeletejulia lindner 18551475
During the period in question the North and South were vastly different societies. The South functioned as a slave society that was heavily dependent on its slave labour force to drive its thriving agricultural sector, which centred on the production of cotton. Alternatively the North prospered on the back of its Industrial based economy, which utilized a free labour force. Despite the perceived separation between the two societies, they relied on each other heavily, as the South required people to utilize and export the cotton they produced, while the North required the cotton, to drive its own manufacturing industry.
ReplyDeleteLachy Cameron
22076352
The North and South before the American Civil War appeared to be vastly different states. As according to 'Southerners' including James Henry Hammond and George Fitzhugh, the South were 'superior' due to its economic agricultural success through cotton farming, as well as having a strong religious perspective and a state without 'mobs, no trade unions, no strikes for higher wages, no armed resistance to the law, but little jealousy of the rich to the poor.'(Fitzhugh, p.28 of textbook). The 'catch' however, was the strong ownership of Slaves to produce agricultural goods. This differed to the North, who had moved forward into a 'Market Revolution', with agricultural goods being manufactured and goods being sold for a 'cash economy' to begin. As Northerners had moved away from Slavery, they commented on the South's inability to let go of slaves and move forward into the new industrial world- 'A salary must be paid to an overseer to compel the slave to work; the free man is impelled by the desire of increasing the comforts of himself and family.'(Lydia Maria Child, p.59)
ReplyDeleteTara Crivari
As the Civil War approached it was, from a retrospective perspective, clear that the North and South had in many ways drifted apart from one another to the degree that unity seemed, and was, very difficult. Economically the North and South had gone in different directions, with one industrializing and the other further developing a thriving agricultural. Obviously social norms and beliefs had evolved differently causing clashes within the church and on basic moral terms (slavery, role of women). However what truly stands out is the tone in which key figures refer to those of opposing beliefs suggesting a deeply rooted and staunchly supported disdain for those with whom they eventually fought.
ReplyDeleteZach Littmann
22665005
One of the most prominent factors differentiating the North and South as societies was their views on slavery. With the South dependent on their ‘slave society’ and their cotton production profit rocketing in the 19th Century, the South’s economy along with many other aspects of its society would collapse. Historians such as Hammond and Fitzhugh believed that their economy growth is what made them superior to the North along with their strong religious stance. The North, on the other hand, did not rely so heavily on slavery with their modernizing culture and urban society with flourishing industrial fields. With the North in the center of a market revolution, it was clear that they had transformed from a society of ‘barter and exchange’ to a ‘cash economy’ as Stokes and Conway both described it. The North was ideologically and economically different from the South.
ReplyDeleteOne of the most prominent factors differentiating the North and South as societies was their views on slavery. With the South dependent on their ‘slave society’ and their cotton production profit rocketing in the 19th Century, the South’s economy along with many other aspects of its society would collapse. Historians such as Hammond and Fitzhugh believed that their economy growth is what made them superior to the North along with their strong religious stance. The North, on the other hand, did not rely so heavily on slavery with their modernizing culture and urban society with flourishing industrial fields. With the North in the centre of a market revolution, it was clear that they had transformed from a society of ‘barter and exchange’ to a ‘cash economy’ as Stokes and Conway both described it. The North was ideologically and economically different from the South.
ReplyDeletewoops...GRACE HICKS
During the period of the Civil War, the North and South were fundamentally different societies. While some historians such as David Potter argued that culturally far more similarities existed between the two societies than differences, which to an extent may be true, economically and ideologically the two remained divided and very far apart. The South (a 'slave society') strongly depended upon cotton production and agricultural output for their economy, relying upon slaves which subsequently made a number of white slaveholders extremely wealthy. Conversely, the North (a 'market society') was more developed and industrialised with a stronger infrastructure, consisting of more expansive train networks, almost four times the number of public schools, etc.
ReplyDeleteDominic Gallichio
22653392
As the Civil War drew near, it became clear that the South and North had drawn so far apart that war was inevitable. From a third perspective the two seemed worlds apart, the North industrialised, pursuing larger corporations and establishing banks, the South...rural agriculture, depending on the North to manufacture their goods such as cotton. Linking to the obvious difference of slavery was religion. The South believed themselves superior as their ‘connection to God differentiated (Southerners) from the unfaithful (Northerners’). Religion, as seen throughout history, formed many of the basic arguments for pursuing war.
ReplyDeleteMoustafa Moustafa 22052380
By the 1850's, when tension rife between the Northern and Southern states, those who identified as part of the 'Union' had managed to morph into an industrial society, complete with factories and a paid 'free' work force. The south was, on the other hand, strictly agricultural, it hadn't experienced an industrial revolution like the North and the back bone of its economy was the use of slaves. Religion played a huge part in how white Southerners saw themselves in relation to the North (Historians such as Hammond believed that this made the South superior) and cemented societal division between the Union and the Confederacy.
ReplyDeleteEmma Nobel
23428597
In the period before the Civil War, it is clear that the North and South were vastly different societies. Economically the North progressed with the beginnings of an industrial society whilst the south continued to rely on agricultural, namely cotton, farming. Socially, the North stressed ideals of the 'separate spheres' for men and women, whilst the south's farming lifestyle called for participation from both genders. Of course the most pronounced difference was slavery. The South prospered from being a slave state, whilst the North relied on free labour. Slavery in itself accounts for a huge range of social, economic and cultural differences between the North and the South. However it is important to note that the issue of slavery did not necessary divide the North and South in terms of racism. Indeed the prominent view of abolition as opposed to anti slavery proved that racism was a concurrent theme on both sides.
ReplyDeleteBreanna 22044701
I'm going to go against the grain and argue slavery was not the MOST significant difference between the North and South before the Civil War - both societies were endorsing some form of slave trade. The political motivations of the North starkly contrasted to the political objectives of the South; their attitudes toward slavery echoing their political perspectives. The North was industrially progressive and as Northern society became more urbanized, subsequently the North became more globalized. Inevitably, the North would have become a more culturally diverse society - and did. Religion was not as rigid in the North as it was in the South - the North were more flexible. The South were proud of their economic ' Independence' and thus felt they were able to maintain their 'cultural integrity'. The South were trying to uphold an image; one of which was made possible due to their economic strength. The reading by George Fitzhugh supports my contention: ' It is a distinction to be a Southerner, as it was once to be a Roman citizen'. Politically the North were becoming far more democratic . ' The Southerner... is content in being. Here is the grand distinction between him and the Northerner; for the Northerner enjoys progress in itself'( Frederick Law Olmsted, page 60, textbook).
ReplyDelete- Kirsty 22655654
One could hardly state that North and South were too similar neither too totally different societies; however, historians argue that while they were culturally homogenous, some differences can be found in certain aspects. Such institutions as religion, language, and political system were similar for North and South, additionally, North considered itself superior over South and vice versa. On the other hand, one of the major differences between North and South is its attitude towards slavery. While South was a slave society, North was a society with slaves. In its turn, South was characterised by agricultural economy oriented on cotton production and North was characterised by manufacturing or industrial economy. Moreover, Southerners and Northerners were perceived to have different temperaments: fiery and cool respectively. On top of that, folk culture was typical for South and modernising culture for North.
ReplyDeleteMaria (22504079)
It is evident that the North and the South were indeed two largely diverse societies, both through cultural and economical differences that result in the infliction and separation of the states before the American Civil War. The North appears mostly developed through its early manufacturing economy within their society, where they ultimately formed an industrial cash economy, becoming independent of slaves.
ReplyDeleteThe South, on the other hand where running a slave society in a more agricultural environment, where their economy and cash flow was heavily reliant on the work done by slaves. Not only had the North nearly abolished slavery from their economy differing from that of the South, religious values also displayed a significant contrast from the distant societies.
Jacqueline Muehlke
In the lead up to the Civil War, the North and South increasingly became different societies and began to see themselves as polar opposites. by the 1850s the North had well and truly established itself as a 'market society' as it became industrious through the development of 'the American system of manufacturing' and its increased involvement in distant markets.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, the South was essentially a 'slave society' as slavery became fundamental to the southern economic, social and political structure. Although historians such as David Potter argue the objective similarity thesis, that both societies had "commonalities of law, religion, language, political system, racism and heritage" (week 2 lecture slide 4: The Impending Crisis) both states were objectively different as there was the southern 'folk culture' vs. northern 'modernising culture', and the southern rural agriculture vs. the urban industry in the north.
Jessica Tatasciore 22065644
A generally accepted view by historians is that the South was a ‘slave society’ and not just a society with slaves, with around 4 million slaves in 1850. In economic terms after the cotton boom the slaves were the most profitable assets to the agricultural south whereas the industrial north profited mostly from their institutions, specifically the Erie Canal. Politically, there was a major difference in the north and south because of the debate between federalism and centralism.
ReplyDeleteSocially, the north and south were seen as two different civilisations because of their views on slavery and how they used religion to either attack or defend this view. Other major social differences were the roles of women in society and most importantly education, with the rates of illiteracy 7 to 8 times higher in the south than they were in the north.
Tayla Dowling 22626476
In the lead up to the Civil War the North and the South were greatly different societies . Economically the South were continuing to rely heavily on the agricultural sectors such as cotton and tobacco, whilst utilizing the slave labour forces. In contrast to this the North was moving away from agricultural and towards a market society , using the free labour forces.
ReplyDeleteAs the North progressed into an industrial society they developed ideals that men and women had different roles and responsibilities. A man should be out in the workforce , where as women belonged in the home and raising children. Unlike the North the South still required all members of the household to work , male or female to ensure economical success .
Indee Hopkins
in the years preceding the American Civil war the differences between the North and South were becoming increasingly prevalent. The economy of the north was developing into an early market economy, driven by the 'American System of Manufacturing' and a strong desire held by many northerners of the values of hard work. this was completely juxtaposed by the slave driven agricultural economy, which according to many Northerns lead to a lazy and unfulfilling lifestyle. Moreover the awareness of North and Southern citizens of an increasing schism between their societies lean to an unbridgeable gap.
ReplyDeleteTom Hardham
Generally speaking, states in the North were more densely populated, largely urbanised, and with an economy grounded in industry and trade. Southerners led more rural lives, and made their living through farming and plantation, particularly of cotton. Whilst slavery was still alive in the North, it was limited, and not the basis of the economy. Southern agriculture required slave labour to make it a profitable enterprise.
ReplyDeleteThe North and South held diametric perceptions of each other. The North saw themselves as inherently modern; with public education widely available, an economic ideology which emphasised opportunity for the individual, and a better educated populace, they saw themselves as enlightened. Consequently, they saw slavery as a hindrance to American civilisation. Northerner Rowen insists that slavery impedes social and economic progress in the South. Olmstead describes the typical Southerner as childish, careless and bigoted, and ignorant of protestant ideals. Southerners held opposing views. They saw themselves as living in a stable, bucolic society which enabled them to intellectually and morally cultivate themselves to a higher standard. Northern values, according to Fitzhugh, makes one cold hearted and feeble minded.
The validation or dismissal of slavery on religious grounds was hotly contested between North and South. Passages from the Bible were reinterpreted to support the arguments of Northerners who were against the spread of slavery, and Southerners who justified slavery through the honour and tradition present in the institution.
One of the few things the two sides had in common was a mutual distrust of abolitionists, as evidenced in the severe response to Angelina Grimke’s speech at Pennsylvania Hall.
Northerners felt that having an economy built on slave labour was foolish and morally degrading, whilst Southerners felt that antislavery movements threatened their social order. Levine claims that antebellum North and South weren’t just different; they became downright hostile to each other, with incompatible values and ideology. The diverging aims and interests between the two groups led to the polarisation of the states into two main camps, which would form the Union and Confederacy.