Upper South

Definition

The Upper South refers to a geographical and cultural region in the United States that includes states like Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky. This area is characterized by a mix of agricultural production, including tobacco and some grain crops, as well as a reliance on slavery, though less intensely than in the Deep South. The Upper South played a pivotal role in the domestic slave trade, acting as both a source of enslaved labor and a destination for slaves sold from other regions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Upper South had a more diversified economy compared to the Deep South, focusing on crops like tobacco and wheat rather than just cotton.
2. Enslaved people in the Upper South were often subjected to different conditions than those in the Deep South due to varying agricultural practices.
3. The domestic slave trade was crucial in the Upper South as many enslaved individuals were sold to Deep South plantations during the cotton boom.
4. Major cities in the Upper South, such as Richmond and Charleston, became important centers for the slave trade and slave markets.
5. The region's economy was still heavily dependent on slavery, but there was a growing presence of small-scale farmers who did not own slaves.

Review Questions

• How did the agricultural practices in the Upper South differ from those in the Deep South, particularly regarding crop production?
  • Agricultural practices in the Upper South featured a mix of crops like tobacco and wheat, while the Deep South primarily focused on cotton cultivation. The diversity of crops in the Upper South allowed for different farming methods and economic opportunities. In contrast, the monoculture of cotton in the Deep South made that region more dependent on enslaved labor for its economy.
• Discuss the role of major cities in the Upper South during the domestic slave trade.
  • Major cities in the Upper South served as key hubs for the domestic slave trade. Cities like Richmond and Charleston hosted active slave markets where enslaved individuals were bought and sold. These cities facilitated not just local transactions but also acted as points of distribution for enslaved people heading to plantations in the Deep South. This urban involvement in slavery highlights how integral it was to the economy and society of the Upper South.
• Evaluate the impact of the domestic slave trade on social structures within the Upper South compared to other regions.
  • The domestic slave trade profoundly influenced social structures within the Upper South by creating a complex hierarchy based on race and class. Enslaved individuals often faced separation from family members due to being sold further south, which created a unique social dynamic. Additionally, while there were many small-scale farmers who did not own slaves, those who did tended to hold more power and influence, reflecting a layered social structure that differed from regions where slavery was less prevalent. The contrast between small farmers and large plantation owners added another layer to social relations within this region.

Related terms

Deep South: The Deep South includes states like South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, known for its heavy reliance on plantation agriculture and slavery.

Domestic Slave Trade: The domestic slave trade refers to the buying and selling of enslaved people within the United States, particularly prominent in the 19th century as demand for labor grew in the South.

Tobacco Plantations: Large agricultural estates primarily located in the Upper South that produced tobacco as a cash crop, relying significantly on enslaved labor for cultivation.