Reconstruction and the tranformation of the West

The term “ New South” is a Republican vision used to describe the South region during and after the Reconstruction period (1865-77). There were several characteristics in the South, which made it new or different:

Ø Leaders pushed for a vigorous industrial economy where they increased textile industry e.g. places like New England (9 fold in the last 20 years of the 19th century) where previously cotton was exported out of the South.

Ø Iron industry developed to an extent where approximately 1/5 of the nation’s total were in places such as Alabama.

Ø Railroads development, Brinkley stated, “ Railroad increased at a rate faster than the nation at large.” NB, in 1886, the gauge, or width of the tracks was changed in the south to meet North standards.

Ø The south also saw an increase in the industrial workforce particularly the women.

Ø Blacks were able to elevate themselves into higher class of the society (middle)

Ø Blacks also established education systems, which they felt was essential for their future. E.g. the Tuskegee Institute founder by Booker T Washington.

vi. Literacy test which involved the reading of the constitution

Cattle were driven to the East, which created the Cattle kingdom (1860-1887). There were four (4) major cattle trails: - Sedalie and Bexter Spring Trail; Chrishom Trail; Western Trail and Goodnight Loving Trail.

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