In the antebellum South, slaves had no economic status as they were considered property rather than individuals with rights. They were forced to work without compensation on plantations and farms, producing cash crops like cotton and tobacco, which fueled the region's economy. Though they contributed significantly to the wealth of their owners and the Southern economy, slaves themselves lived in poverty, with no access to education or opportunities for economic advancement. Their labor was essential to the prosperity of the South, but they remained trapped in a system of oppression and exploitation.
If you are referring to the slaves of the antebellum South, the main economic activity was cotton farming.
Slaves
Most of the time, anyone talking about the post war period, is referring to the period following WW II (which ended in 1945). However, when they talk about the antebellum South (antebellum meaning before the war) they mean the Civil War, not WW II.
Because the south was mainly cotton produced--and trains at that time wasn't built to go very far, the South had to rely on the North for food because the North was so widely diverse on manufacturing, agriculture and more. So then this leaves the answer being: the south was dependent on the north for food supplies.
South was weak and had poor economics. West economic development was increase in local business/company. They both still have slaves.
If you are referring to the slaves of the antebellum South, the main economic activity was cotton farming.
Slaves
Throughout the antebellum period, there was a tendency for the ownership of slaves to become increasingly concentrated. The antebellum period refers to the period before the American Civil War.
White familes in the south during the antebellum time did not own any slaves. At least the majority of whits did not own any
I know this answer, because i am studying for an AP us history exam. The answe is 0. Most families in the antebellum south (88%) owned no slaves at all!
As a economic issue
As a economic issue
The majority of white men in the antebellum South were small-scale farmers or laborers rather than wealthy plantation owners. They often aspired to own slaves, viewing them as a means to achieve economic success and social status, even if they did not personally own any. Many supported the institution of slavery as integral to the Southern economy and their own social standing, despite their varying economic circumstances. This group largely upheld and defended the cultural and political structures that sustained slavery in the region.
The slave class system in the antebellum South was a hierarchical social structure primarily defined by race and economic status. At the top were wealthy plantation owners who controlled vast tracts of land and numerous enslaved people. Below them were smaller farmers who might own one or two slaves, while at the bottom were the enslaved individuals themselves, who had no rights and were considered property. This system was deeply entrenched in the economy and culture of the South, perpetuating racial inequality and social stratification.
Most white men in the antebellum South could best be described as landowners who owned slaves and wielded significant social and economic power within their communities. They were part of the dominant class that enforced racial hierarchies and benefited from the institution of slavery.
high
Slaves represented a sizeable percentage of the population of the antebellum south. In the lower south, slaves represented 47% of the population. The total percentile in the upper south was 29%. The border states had a population of 13% of slaves against the total population.