ch 3.2 the agricultural south main idea the economy of the southern colonies was predominately...
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Ch 3.2 The Agricultural South
MAIN IDEA
The economy of the Southern colonies was predominately agricultural, which relied heavily on slave labor.
Plantation Economy
• Growth of agriculture and cash crops.
-Fertile soil.
-Tobacco, rice, indigo, and sugar.
• 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, Scot-Irish 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 race-based.
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 yo- death.
• Owners hired overseers.
• Beat or whipped those considered disobedient or disrespectful.
Culture and Family• 85% of slaves live in the South, make
up 40% of the population there.
• 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.