Social, regional and ethnic divisions

• Social, regional and ethnic divisions


  The North

  Became increasingly industrial and urban. Resented by others for dominating the shape of US political and economic development. Too many politicians represented Northern interests at the expense of others.
• Social, regional and ethnic divisions


  The New South

  Modernising and embracing new technologies. Railroads doubled in milage in the 1880s = develop new industries (coal mining in West Virginia). Plentiful supplies of coal, iron and limestone in Birmingham, Alabama = centre of new steel industry. Buchanan (tobacco): machine produced 100,000 cigarettes per day.

  But most remained agricultural and rural. Predominant crop was cotton. Most farmers = sharecroppers- landowner allocated land and resources for a percentage of the crop (value failed to meet debt = servitude (slavery))
• Social, regional and ethnic divisions

  The West

  Migration west was significant for born in USA and foreign-born- Final quarter of 19th = 1/3 of pop of Cali and 1/2 Arizona and Nevada= foreign-born. Many resented distant fed gov: they valued independence and 'rugged individualism'.

  Development of cattle industry led to huge ranches feeding the growing population of Eastern cities. Gold, silver and copper discoveries= short-lived hurried settlement (Black Hills of Dakota in late 70s). But most moved to farm- 1862 Homestead Act = 160 acres free if farmed for 5 years (but uncomfortable = tensions)
• Social, regional and ethnic divisions


  Farmers in the South and West

  Faced huge problems of debt- borrow money to maintain land, plant crops and livestock. Borrowing was often on expectations of harvesting and selling products at reasonable prices. But markets could be unstable- prices fell = ruined. Concerns led to supporting ideas such as low interest rates and plentiful money which were disliked in the more industrial and commercial North
• Social, regional and ethnic divisions


  The position of African-Americans

  AA faced discrimination, particularly in the South. 'Jim Crow' laws were passed to ensure segregation. Methods used to prevent voting- unfair literacy tests and 'Grandfather clauses'- allowed only those with grandfathers who could have voted to vote in state elections (disqualified descendants of slaves). Terror and intimidation continued with increasing lynchings.

  Many AA began moving North in the Great Migration. White southerners discouraged this, wanting cheap labour. AA still faced discrimination in the North.