Probably the largest group would have been small, independent farmers. There would also be a large number of merchants and business-men and common laborers.
slavery
Southern farmers Populists Southern whites
In 1865 Southern whites defined freedom as controlling their future without northern interference
6,100,000 Southern people owned no slaves.
Farmers?
southern whites.
Poor southern whites fought to defend many things. These people fought to keep their land, their rights, and often their workers.
southern whites.
yeomen
mountain people
Grant
64%