Ch 3.2 The Agricultural South
MAIN IDEA
The economy of the Southern
colonies was predominately
agricultural, which relied heavily on
slave labor.
WHY IT MATTERS NOW
The existence of slavery deeply
affected the South and the nation.
Plantation Economy
• Growth of agriculture and cash crops.
-Fertile soil.
-Tobacco, sugar, indigo, and rice.
• Long deep rivers used for transport.
• Plantations are self-sufficient.
• Few cities grow: warehouses, shops not
needed.
Diverse Population
• In 1700’s, many
German, Scot, ScotIrish immigrant to the
South.
• Mostly small farmers.
• Planters control
economy.
• By the mid-1700s,
export trade makes
colonies wealthy.
Role of Women
• Have few legal or
social rights and
very little schooling.
• Cook, clean,
garden, and do farm
chores.
• Submit to husband’s
will. Rich or poor.
Indentured Servants
• In 1600’s, male servants are 1/2
to 2/3 of immigrants.
• By the 1700’s report of hardships
keep European laborers away.
-Cost rise.
Evolution of Slavery
• Slaves- people considered the
property of others.
-Work for life, inherited.
• Colonists unable to enslave
Native Amer.
• American slavery clearly racebased.
Triangle Trade
• Network ties colonies, Africa, and
West Indies.
-New England exports rum to
Africa.
-Africa exports slaves to West
Indies.
-West Indies export sugar,
molasses to New England.
The Middle Passage
• Middle leg of
triangle trade.
• 20% or more
died from
disease,
abuse, or
suicide.
Slavery in the South
• 80%-90% are field
hands, 10%-20% are
house hands or
artisans.
• Work from 12 yodeath.
• Beat or whipped those
considered
disobedient or
disrespectful.
• Owners hired
overseers.
Culture and Family
• Many different cultures and
languages.
• Tried to preserve culture heritage:
crafts, music, stories, and dance.
• Merchants and owners split up
families; slaves raised childern
left behind.
Resistance and Revolt
• Sabotage or escape.
• Stono Rebellion,
1739
-Planter families
killed.
-Militia defeats
slaves.
• Slave laws tighten.
-Rebellions continue.