key term - Southern Agrarianism

Definition

Southern agrarianism is a social and economic philosophy that advocates for a rural, agrarian way of life, emphasizing agriculture as the foundation of culture and community. This ideology emerged in the American South, promoting the idea that farming, land ownership, and traditional values are central to societal well-being. It often contrasts with industrialization and urbanization, reflecting a deep connection to the land and its agricultural practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Southern agrarianism gained prominence in the early 20th century as intellectuals and writers sought to defend rural life against the encroachment of industrial society.
2. The ideology is often associated with the Southern Agrarians, a group of writers and thinkers who published 'I'll Take My Stand' in 1930, arguing for the importance of agrarian values.
3. Agrarianism in the South was tied to issues of race, as the plantation system relied heavily on enslaved African Americans for labor.
4. Southern agrarianism promotes stewardship of the land, advocating for sustainable farming practices that preserve both the environment and cultural heritage.
5. The decline of southern agrarianism began in the mid-20th century as mechanization, urbanization, and globalization transformed agriculture and rural communities.

Review Questions

• How did southern agrarianism respond to industrialization and urbanization in America?
  • Southern agrarianism emerged as a reaction against industrialization and urbanization, emphasizing the importance of agriculture, land ownership, and traditional rural values. Proponents believed that the rapid growth of cities and factories threatened community cohesion and cultural identity. They argued for a return to agrarian ideals as a means of preserving social order and fostering a connection to the land.
• Discuss how southern agrarianism influenced social hierarchies within Southern society during its peak.
  • Southern agrarianism reinforced existing social hierarchies by romanticizing the plantation system and its reliance on enslaved labor. The ideology positioned wealthy plantation owners as the ideal guardians of southern values while devaluing the roles of both poor white farmers and African Americans. This created a rigid class structure where economic power was concentrated among a few landowners, perpetuating racial inequalities that had lasting effects on Southern society.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of southern agrarianism on contemporary views of agriculture and rural life in the South.
  • The legacy of southern agrarianism continues to shape contemporary views on agriculture and rural life in the South by promoting a narrative that values local farming traditions and sustainable practices. However, as global markets have increasingly influenced agricultural practices, many traditional farmers face challenges in maintaining their livelihoods. The tension between preserving agrarian values and adapting to modern economic realities leads to ongoing debates about land use, environmental conservation, and social equity in rural communities.

Related terms

Plantation Economy:

An economic system based on large-scale agricultural plantations that primarily grow cash crops like cotton and tobacco, heavily relying on enslaved labor.

Yeoman Farmers:

Small-scale farmers who owned their own land and produced crops for subsistence and local markets, often viewed as the backbone of southern agrarian society.

Cotton Kingdom: A term describing the cotton-producing region of the South during the 19th century, which became economically dominant due to the high demand for cotton in both domestic and international markets.