North and South
New IndustriesIn the early 1800s, there were many new developments in industry and technology
Elias Howe invented sewing machines in 1846 Steamboats made fast upstream travel possible Clipper ships “clipped” time from long journeys and moved goods from Eastern US to Asia. Erie Canal and railroad networks helped move grain, livestock, and dairy John Deere invented steel-tipped plow in 1837 Cyrus McCormick invented the mechanical reaper The factory system played an important role in economic growth. |
Life in the FactoryBy 1840, the average workday was 11.4 hours.
Children worked in factories 6 days a week and 12 or more hours a day. Discrimination affected economic wealth because women were paid half as much as men. Nativists believe immigrants were taking their jobs because they would work more hours for less pay. |
Agriculture in the SouthThe southern economy depended solely on slavery.
Their main products were rice, indigo, and tobacco. Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin in 1793 that helped this economy. Upper South grew mostly tobacco, hemp, wheat, and vegetables. |
Problems in the SouthIn the deep south, they grew mostly cotton, some rice, and sugar cane.
The south depended on the north for everything concerning manufactured goods. Many living in the south argued that having factories in the south would benefit the economy greatly and they would be self sufficient. |
People in the SouthBy 1860, ⅓ of the nation’s rails were in the south.
Yeomen farmers owned anywhere from 50-200 acres. Tenant farmers was a big part in this time period in which these farmers rented land from property owners. Earning a profit was the main goal for large plantation owners. |