Thursday, April 1, 2010

Is Florida part of the South?

The northern part of Florida could definitely be considered a part of the South especially until the 1900s. In the early 1800s, this was basically the only part of the state that was inhabited. These northern cities, including Jacksonville, Tallahassee and Pensacola, are very close to other very Southern states such as Alabama and Georgia both in proximity and culture. As time progressed, a significant demographic shift can be seen. During the early part of the twentieth century, the central and southern parts of Florida began to see an increase in population. It was mainly viewed as a tourist destination, as it is still viewed today. WWII had a significant impact on Florida’s identity with the development of many military bases, as did the Cuban Revolution with the influx of many Latin Americans into Florida, particularly Miami and Tampa. Florida may be a part of the South geographically, but due to its demographic shift, it is no longer a part of the traditional Southern culture and society.

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