The Southern states: social, economic and political characteristics
The Southern states built their society around slavery and large farming estates called plantations. This shaped everything — how they made money, who held power, and what they demanded from the federal government.
Real World
In 1860, South Carolina's economy was almost entirely built on cotton plantations worked by enslaved people — the state's political class, men like Senator John C. Calhoun, consistently used their federal power to block any legislation threatening that system.
Exam Focus
For 'explain' questions, link each social or economic feature directly to a political consequence to access higher marks.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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