The New South: Continuity and Change Post-Civil War

The Emergence of the 'New South'

The term 'New South' refers to the transformative vision for the southern United States after its defeat in the Civil War. Prominent figures like newspaper editor Henry Grady of The Atlanta Constitution pushed for a South that embraced economic diversity, industrial growth, and laissez-faire capitalism — a shift from its previous, predominantly agricultural identity. This vision aimed to incorporate aspects of the industrialized North to revitalize the war-torn South.

Industrialization and Urban Growth

Southern cities experienced significant growth, with the rise of industrial centers leading to advancements in textile manufacturing. Southern states even began to outpace New England in textile production. Population growth and railroad expansion were indicators of the South's burgeoning industrial capacity.

The Persistence of Agriculture

Despite industrial strides, the South's economy remained largely agricultural. The system of sharecropping, which allowed workers to farm land in exchange for a share of the crop, perpetuated a cycle of debt and dependency akin to a new form of slavery for many, including newly emancipated black people and poor whites.

Racial Segregation and the Struggle for Equality

The End of Reconstruction

The Compromise of 1877, which marked the end of Reconstruction, led to the withdrawal of federal troops from the South. This resulted in the resurgence of racial segregation as federal enforcement of new laws and Constitutional amendments waned.

Plessy v. Ferguson and 'Separate but Equal'

The 1896 Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson enshrined the principle of 'separate but equal,' legitimizing racial segregation as long as segregated facilities were ostensibly equal. This ruling paved the way for Jim Crow Laws, which segregated nearly all public spaces and services, deepening racial divides.

Resistance and Reformers

Despite the oppressive climate, resistance to racial injustice persisted. Notable figures included:

• Ida B. Wells: A journalist who campaigned against lynching and Jim Crow Laws, facing intense opposition and violence for her work.

• Henry Turner: Founder of the International Migration Society, which promoted the migration of black Americans to Liberia, though the project faced economic and health challenges.

• Booker T. Washington: An advocate for black economic self-sufficiency as a path to political power, though his approach was criticized for being impractical given the systemic barriers faced by black people in the South.

Conclusion

The period from 1877 to 1898 in the South was marked by a complex interplay of progress and setback. The 'New South' made industrial advances, yet the social and racial order of the 'Old South' proved resistant to change. The legacies of this era continue to influence the United States today.

For a deeper dive into the history of the 'New South' and the significant figures who shaped it, watch the full video by Heimler’s History here.