How did economic and social experiences differ between the southern and northern regions of the United States, 1870 - 1914?

... How did economic and social experiences differ between the southern and northern regions of the United States, 1870 - 1914? During the period between the American Civil War, which ended in 1870 and the First World War, which began in 1914, a significant number of economic changes took place in the United States. The process of industrialisation began to take over the previously predominately agricultural country. Before the Civil War almost 80% of the population were engaged in agriculture-based employment. There was little government intervention in the economy and no real industrialisation had taken place. However, historian and economist Harold Vatter writes that 'On the eve of the Civil War the United States was a semi industrial country with a large, relatively unexploited and unsettled frontier.' (1) This statement highlights how the onset of the Civil War prevented the country from beginning a process of exploiting its resources and expanding industrially.

want to read more? →