Eli Whitney created the cotton gin in 1793. As cotton became more cost-effective, rich white southerners brought more slaves
Poor Whites
There were more non-slave-owning whites than any other social class during the Antebellum Period.
Plantation Owners vs Slaves
Rich southerners believed that they were more civilized than northerners.
Attitudes Toward Slavery
Sold!!!!
Non-slave-owning whites lived in terrible poverty because they were unable to afford good land due to slavery. They suffered from malnutrition and diseases.
Plantation owners looker at slaves as property that could be sold.
I wish I owned slaves.
Rich southerners supported it because it was the source of their wealth and status. Poor whites supported it because they dream of one-day owning slaves.
