What role did railroads play in changing southern society?

The railroad was a godsend for the south. Before the civil war the south’s economy was agriculturally based and relied heavily on slave labor. After the civil war the south was in economic peril. Luckily the railroad system helped to spark industrialization throughout the south. If not for the railroad system the south as it is now might not exist. The Atlanta became the epitome of what the new south would be thanks in part to the railroad system.

What role did railroads play in changing southern society

The opportunities brought about by the production of railroads were tremendous. Urban growth was made easy by new abilities of traveling and transporting goods. During the change from an agricultural production based economy to an industrial based economy, new jobs popped up everywhere because of needs for workers to build railroads which intern stimulated the economy even more. Since traveling was became so much easier, people from all over could now share their culture, clothing styles and move to new places and have many more experiences that were never viable before. America as a whole became closer knit and this was the foundation for the distinct America personality we still have and love today.

What role did railroads play in changing southern society

The railroads were, of course, a huge economic plus for the South. In the period after the civil war, the railroads brought the foundations of an industrial society to the post civil war South, an area which for centuries had run on a primarily agrarian economy. Railroads breathed a breath of fresh air into the exhausted southern economy mainly because it allowed for the diffusion of industrialization, urbanization, and population growth. An excellent example of the railroad's economic effects is the city of Atlanta, which was brought from a devastated city to a major economic and cultural hub in the South.

What role did railroads play in changing southern society?

Railroads were important to the South for many reasons. First, the possibility of transporting goods greatly contributed to the success of farmers. They were now able to transport their cultivated goods to other areas of the country efficiently. Not only could they sell their crops to a more diverse range of customers, they could also receive crops from different areas around country that they previously did not have access to. Similarly, products from upcoming stores and industries were able to be transported to the South and southerners now had the opportunity to buy the same clothing, furniture, and specialty items they longed for. Before, there was a large discrepancy between those who lived in urban areas and those in rural areas. With the growth of the railroads, the rural areas then gained similar characteristics that were previously associated solely with cities. Not only was the transportation of items important, so was the transportation of people. Railroads were crucial to the movement west and coincided with the Homestead Act. Railroads also contributed to the rise of the iron industry in the South as well as various other industries.

What Role Did Railroads Play in Changing Southern Society?

The expansion of railroad systems in the South helped advance the industrialization happening in the South, that as argued last week was crucial for the rebuilding during Reconstruction. Railroad construction in the post-Civil War era was greatest in the South. The railroads connected southern businesses with northern and western markets that otherwise would not be reasonably accessible. The railroads transformed Birmingham, Alabama into the "Pittsburgh of the South," as it became a southern hub for coal, limestone, and metal mining. Atlanta also became a major railroad city during Reconstruction. The New South would not have emerged had it not been for railroad expansion in the south; they helped end the southern agrarian society.

What role did railroads play in changing southern society?

Railroads played an imperative role in changing southern society. The south had huge agricultural production and railroads enabled those who grew these goods to export them all over the nation. The railroads also allowed the south to import goods from different regional areas of the nation. The railroads spread the southern culture all over the nation and also brought different cultures to the south allowing for a more culturally diverse nation. The railroad system in the south also created a large trade market which attracted large companies to move to Birmingham and Atlanta. These companies attracted jobs and help the urbanization of the south.

What role did railroads play in changing southern society?

During the period of industrialization after the Civil War, railroads represented one of the main corporations and played a significant role in changing Southern society. Agriculture had always been the core of the South, with much economic wealth coming from its exports. This remained true despite the rapid urban growth. The railroads aided the export of agricultural goods, allowing a more direct and efficient means of transport than by sea. However, this shifted much power and wealth away from previously important port cities, including Charleston and Mobile. Instead, cities like Atlanta experienced rapid growth, as it was a central railroad hub where several major systems came together. Railroads also impacted urbanization in the Southern cities like Atlanta because they attracted big businesses. This opened up new work opportunities and brought more money into the city, which in turn brought more people. Railroads also allowed travelling to be a lot faster and easier. This led to more people moving from other parts of America, bringing with them their previous cultures and traditions. Imports were also aided by the railroad, which allowed goods built in other areas of the nation to become a more common sight.
Railroads played a very important role in the industrialization and urbanization of the South and ultimately contributed to the formation of a shared national identity.

What Role Did Railroads Play in Changing Southern Society?

If you look at the railroad by itself then it's role in changing the South is already enormous. But the role of the railroad extends much further than just the physical tracks. The railroad companies and the industries related to railroads and running trains also have to be considered. Railroads grew rapidly in the South during the post-Civil War period. With the railroads came opportunities for quicker transportation of people and goods. It also brought with it other industries related to railroads, such as banking, insurance and even steel. This led to the growth of large cities that would take the place of the now declining city centers of the antebellum period. Birmingham had its steel, making it the "Pittsburgh of the South" and Atlanta was a railroad node, making it the leader in industrialization and urbanization in the post Civil War period. These new cities attracted large numbers of people who left the rural areas. Railroads brought northern investment as well, increasing urban development. These investors and the "urban boosters" in the South, such as Henry Grady wanted increased industrialization and a push towards urbanization. The railroad was a "big business" industry so the corruption and labor strife associated with it also made its way to the South. The railroads spread much more than industrialization and the "big business" corporate model. It also helped facilitate the spread of a national culture through the easy transport of products from all over the nation.

What role did railroads play in changing southern society?

The railroads enabled the farmers in the south to ship their goods across the continent. However, the railroads also gave farmers an added expense in the form of hauling their goods. Railroads could charge whatever they wanted to transport the products of the farmers, and charged more in places that did not have competition. To struggle against the railroad costs, farmers in the South and West formed cooperatives that formed Granger laws which established fixed freight charges that the railroads were allowed to charge. Groups were formed by farmers to try to improve their position in society, such as the popular Farmers' Alliance that had the ambition to try to change many things they didn't like in society. Most of these things had been caused either directly or indirectly by the railroads.

What role did railroads play in changing southern society?

The railroad was America's largest corporation and the main drive for economic growth during the period of industrialization in the South. Although the South was becoming more industrialized, agriculture remained at its core. The railroad made the exportation of crops possible, while also opening the doors for new labor in the South. While the railroad helped farmers with exportation of their goods, farmers had grievances concerning railroad rates and exploitation; the formation of the Southern Farmers' Alliance was an illustration of their grievances. However, the railroad brought upon substantial change as it was one of the corporations, along with others such as Coca-Cola, which helped industrialize the South.

Role of railroads in changing southern society

Railroads were a huge part of the changing southern society. The South post Reconstruction had a difficult time modernizing and industrializing like the North. The South was still very much an agrarian economy, but the introduction of railroads changed this and allowed it to be more industrialized. Land was used to build railroads, which displeased many of the farmers. However, the railroads allowed for cattle raised in the South to be transported to meat packing industries. As a result, new industries developed and opportunities to industrialized soon opened up for the southern people.

What role did railroads play in changing southern society?

What role did railroads play in changing the south? Money was brought to the south. Goods could be shipped all over the U.S. and goods could be brought in. The south became more industrialized when this happend. Cities started to grow and become similar to some northern cities. Railroads played a key role in both urbanization and industrialazation of the south. This ultimately led to a more shared national culture.

Railroads and the South

The innovation of the railroad was revolutionary for the entire country, but particularly for the South. The antebellum period was famously one of agriculture, dominated by the big business of plantation crops. Though the plantation as it was known then would never again exist in the same format, agriculture was still a major player. The part where railroads enter this picture is the change in exportation of crops through and from the South. The transcontinental system combined with the use of refrigerated cars meant that trains could transport Southern products throughout the nation far faster and far more efficiently than ever before. While the South certainly suffered much economic turmoil in the era, this format made up much of the southern economy regardless. The side of this was the gradual industrialization of the region. Many resisted the change, but there was enough interest from both Northern and Southern investors to make the growing cities home to important corporations, such as Coca-Cola, based in Atlanta.

Was urbanization crucial to southern life after the civil war?

After the civil war many would argue that it was imperative for the south to adopt a more industrialized economy. However I would say this belief tends to be the belief of the north instead of the south. Farming will never be obsolete it is important then and now to have the raw goods. Therefore I would say that urbanization was not crucial in the south after the civil war. The southern economy changed very little after the civil war. The southern economy to a certain extent followed if it ain’t broke why fix it motto. The fact that most southern cities, excluding Atlanta, did not grow simple shows that urbanization was not crucial.

Was urbanization crucial to southern life after the Civil War

Although the North is known for its industrialization, urbanization played an important role in the South, as well. The North is known for its big, industrialized cities, but the South developed a few of its own urban centers, as well. Atlanta, Georgia, a relatively new city to begin with, was burned down during the civil war and had to be reconstructed. Of the books Dr. Chambliss reviewed in his essay, I would probably most throroughly enjoy Atlanta: An Illustrated History, by Andy Ambrose, because of its positive spin and its thorough history of Atlanta, a city that continued to grow and make progress through urbanization. An example of Southern urbanization in Atlanta is the investment in progress made by Henry Grady, a newspaper editor who turned away from the traditional southern mentality and tried to move Atlanta in a different direction during Reconstruction.
The South did participate in urbanization, but it is still to this day firmly enveloped in its agriculture. Urbanization was crucial to the South because it changed the population concentrations and led to modern industry, among other developments, but it was not as strong in the South as it was in the North.

Was urbanization crucial to southern life after the war?

I absolutely think Urbanization of the south was necessary for any further advancement made after the war. Although the problems of segregation still existed up through the 1970's, the south made laws to try an aid the residents in believing it was a good thing to make these changes. They still however, were reluctant to give blacks jobs and many things were segregated like buses, movies, hospitals, etc. until 1954. This change from an agricultural based money system to an industrial based money system, helped define the new ways of the south and also helped move forward past old southern ways which were unhealthy for America today.

Was urbanization crucial to southern life after the Civil War?

Although it went contrary to the wishes of Southern whites, urbanization was a fundamental aspect in the transformation of the Old South into a 'New Southern' society. Following the civil war, the formerly agrarian economy of the South was in a shambles; the roots of the plantation economy were pulled up with the emancipation of millions of slave-laborers. The North also began to meddle in the political affairs of the South during this time, as well as bringing northern economic influence. Indeed, while Southern urbanization was a phenomenon that greatly benefitted the destitute economy, Southern whites generally detested urbanization's progressive side-effects, largely wanting a traditional society, reminiscent of the 'Old South'. Yet ultimately, whether or not Southern whites welcomed it or not, the Northern influence over the South was too great and resulted in an urbanization unique to the South, where economic growth was unfortunately accompanied by malignant remnants of the Old South: discrimination and persecution.

Was urbanization crucial to southern life after the civil war?

The post-civil war south was left in ruins in terms of infrastructure, economic value and population. The production of iron, lumber, tobacco and sugar cane all contributed to the establishment of the "New South". These new institutions created jobs and attracted northerners for business and politics. The racial prejudice however still existed and many owners of these industries refused to give blacks a job. The establishment of state governments helped to establish a public education system, orphanages and hospitals. The "New South" created jobs for many, black and white alike, and helped re-establish the economy and infrastructure lost immediately following the Civil War, therefore the urbanization of the south was a crucial part after the civil war.

Was urbanization crucial to southern life after the civil war?

After the civil war, urbanization rapidly increased in the South. People started to shift away from the traditional plantation-centered mindset and saw the economic opportunities that urban growth offered, particularly in textiles, railways, iron and tobacco. The end of slavery also led many people to explore new vocational prospects, especially in business and the export of natural resources including sugar and lumber. With many former slaves now free and seeking work, land was hard to come by. Sharecropping, while an improvement on slavery, still did not offer people a sense of comfort and security as the land they worked still was not theirs. Instead, cities offered many new opportunities for unskilled workers, giving individuals and families a more dependable situation. Many considered this especially important in the years immediately following the unrest of the Civil War.
Without urbanization, southern life after the civil war would have very different. The number of conflicts over land ownership would have been greatly increased, and a large number of people would have struggled to survive. Urban growth offered these people a new opportunity to succeed in life, which may not have been possible otherwise.

Was Urbanization Crucial to Southern Life after the Civil War?

Urbanization was crucial to southern life after the Civil War because its infrastructure and economy were in ruins and racial relationships were left in an indeterminate state. Abolition made room for a transition period in which changes had to be made to ensure that both whites and blacks alike could survive. Following the war, a large part of southern infrastructure was destroyed, livestock were killed, crime increased, some Confederates were stripped of their land, and former slaves had neither places to live nor sources of income. The urbanization of the south was led by the textile industry, followed by the tobacco industry, and lumber, sugar, and iron industries; this “New South” offered work opportunities to white and black southerners as well as investment opportunities for northerners. Urbanization was the first step in trying to restore and improve the economy of the southern states; however, there were still tremendous racial issues and for many blacks this new industrialization did not offer significant improvement in their lives.

Was Urbanization Crucial to Southern Life After the Civil War?

After the Civil War, the South was left in economic and social ruin. With the end of slavery and the destruction from the war the south had to virtually start over. This led to the emergence of a "New South." This "New South" was created through an industrialization process that penetrated all aspects of Southern society. Some of the industries that became the biggest producers in the south were textiles, tobacco, railroads and iron. Other popular areas of production were in natural resources such as lumber and sugar. For many, urbanization did not really affect them. Many people still worked on farms through the crop lien system. tenants, many of whom already owed goods as sharecroppers, bought goods by promising future crops for credit. The South, however, was made up of more than just rural areas and these urban areas were also crucial to Southern life. Atlanta became an industrial and railroad node, allowing for increasing access and markets around the country. Also, industrial cities such as Birmingham (known as the "Pittsburgh of the South" became huge centers of growth. These cities were crucial in helping the economic growth of the south and encouraging the investment of Northern capital.

Was urbanization crucial to southern life after the civil war?

Yes, urbanization was crucial to Southern life after the Civil war, although the effects were not necessarily positive. Towards the end of the 19^th century, many industries grew rapidly in the South including, but not limited to, textiles, tobacco, railroads, and iron. It is even mentioned in our reading that in 1990 “the south built railroads faster than any other region in the country” (Liberty, Equality, Power 557). Although at this time the South was in the shadow of the highly industrialized North, the South made great strides toward industrialization and was beginning to become competitive. Although there was growing success for the south financially, that did not mean equality. The southern segregation worsened and those working in the mills and industries were primarily whites. Whites were being encouraged to work for these mills by the promise of feeling superior to blacks, a strategy known as “wages of whiteness” (Liberty, Equality, Power 557). Urbanization increased the racial separation in the South and many blacks were forced to once again work in agriculture due to the harmful effects of urbanization.

Was Urbanization Crucial to Southern Life After the Civil War?

Urbanization was necessary for the South to recover following the Civil War. The New South could no longer rely on "King Cotton" to sustain it economy. Foreign markets, such as Great Britain, had found other sources of cotton during the Civil War. Also, cotton grower overproduced cotton after the Civil War causing the price to drop drastically. While cash crops became a less reliable industry, the South saw booms in the textile, railroad and iron industries. Entrepreneurs from the North were also more likely to invest in these industries as the South continued to recover during Reconstruction.

Was urbanization crucial to southern life after the Civil War?

The Post-Civil War Reconstruction era was very important not only to the North but also in the South. Although majority of the approval and desire for equality remained in the North, it wouldn't be long until it spread in the South. The South was still very much agrarian and the culture was still very much that of the "old South," but the push for urbanization that opened up possibilities for new businesses and government policies aided in forming the "new South."If this urbanization had not happened, discrimination would have continued and the government and economies of the South would be very backward. Progress would not have ensued and the identity of the South would have remained agrarian and would not be as developed as it is today. Though there was segregation, I believe this strengthened the southern ideals even more since they've learned a lot in simply transforming their ideals and working to accommodate different races into their changing identity.

Was urnabanization crucial to southern life after the civil war?

Was urbanization crucial to southern life after the Civil War? History tells us that this is not the case. When the Civil War was over and the slaves were freed most southerners were outraged. They wanted things to stay the same which meant no urbanization.They wanted to keep their slaves and not have to work the land themselves. At the same time many freed slaves had a hard time finding a job and a place to live. Slave owners saw this as an opportunity to hire their previous slaves for pay in crops. This process was called sharecropping. Many freed slaves took this rout and were essentially slaves again. Black urbanization after the Civil War therefore was relatively non existent. Urnaization was not a crucial part of southern life after the civil war.

A Clean Urban Slate?

After last semester's focus on Florida between settlement and Civil War, I'm shifting to the post reconstruction and an emphasis on urbanization. This semester, my students will be investigating Atlanta and the impact of urbanization. I can't wait to see how it all turns out.