Economic Growth in the Postbellum Cotton South

Reprint originally posted on ShiHistoryIn on January 30, 202

Understanding the Postbellum Economy

The postbellum period refers to the years following the American Civil War, specifically from 1865 to 1900. This era is crucial for understanding the economic landscape of the Cotton South. Two key factors in this discussion are productivity and land ownership.

Although the Emancipation Proclamation took effect in early 1863, slavery persisted in parts of the Confederate South until June 1865. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, informed the last slaves in Texas of their freedom. This date, known as Juneteenth, was recognized as a federal holiday by President Joseph R. Biden in June 2021.

The legacy of slavery and its aftermath significantly influenced productivity and land ownership in the postbellum Cotton South.

Analyzing Scholarly Sources

To better understand the economic conditions of the Cotton South, a qualitative method was employed. This involved examining various scholarly sources. One notable source includes a quantitative study based on census data from 1880 to 1910. However, this blog post will focus on the conclusions drawn from the study rather than the charts and diagrams.

In her book, Unredeemed Land: An Environmental History of Civil War and Emancipation in the Cotton South, Erin Mauldin concludes that by 1880, productivity and land reform had significantly improved. Southern agricultural output had surpassed prewar levels, and land development rates were on the rise. Mauldin argues that the South managed to recover from the Civil War and the political challenges of Reconstruction by this time.

The Role of Slavery in Economic Conditions

Determining the economic condition of the South is complex, especially when considering the impact of slavery and its abolition. During the Civil War, productivity in the South declined. The transition from slavery to freedom also affected productivity levels.

According to Stephen DeCanio, the economic forces and political dynamics in southern society remain unclear. In his article, “Productivity and Income Distribution in the Post-Bellum South,” DeCanio analyzed census data from 1880 to 1910. He focused on the productivity differences between whites and blacks in the South. His research covered ten major cotton-producing states, excluding Virginia.

The findings revealed that low labor productivity contributed to the poverty experienced by freedmen. The lack of property ownership severely impacted their income. If freedmen had owned land, they could have potentially doubled their earnings. The absence of land ownership resulted in significant economic disadvantages for landless laborers.

The failure to provide the promised “forty acres and a mule” led to economic losses for freedmen. This lack of support has proven to be a more significant factor in income inequality than discriminatory laws and coercive labor practices of the time.

Contrasting Perspectives

A review of the scholarly sources may initially seem contradictory. Erin Mauldin emphasizes the successes of the South in terms of land development and industry growth in the postbellum period. In contrast, Stephen DeCanio offers a more nuanced view by examining the economic realities faced by the laboring population.

While both sources agree that the southern economy improved overall, they highlight that this progress was not equally experienced by all. The benefits of economic growth were not felt by the laboring class, an issue that continues to resonate today.

Conclusion

In summary, the postbellum Cotton South underwent significant changes in productivity and land ownership. The transition from slavery to freedom was fraught with challenges that shaped the economic landscape. Understanding these dynamics is essential for grasping the complexities of the region's history and its ongoing impact.

The study of productivity and land ownership in the postbellum Cotton South reveals a multifaceted narrative. It underscores the importance of recognizing both the achievements and the struggles of the time.

Bibliography

• DeCanio, Stephen. “Productivity and Income Distribution in the Post-Bellum South.” The Journal of Economic History 34, no. 2 (1974): 422–46. http://www.jstor.org/stable/2116989. Accessed January 22, 2023.
• Fajardo Arteaga, Sgt. Tara. “Juneteenth: Marking the End of Slavery.” The United States Army, June 19, 2022. https://www.army.mil/article/257708/juneteenth_marking_the_end_of_slavery. Accessed January 22, 2023.
• Mauldin, Erin Stewart. Unredeemed Land: An Environmental History of Civil War and Emancipation in the Cotton South. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2018.