This unit highlights the growth of King Cotton and its economic dominance in the South. The stratification of Southern society is delineated by economics as well as race. The lower South loses its power base to the lower South as the growth of cotton moves the economic influence to the Old Southwest.
Reading Assignments
Textbook Chapters:
Unfinished Nation Ch. 11 Brinkley 11.pdf
Unfinished Nation Chapter 12, pages 282-283, 286-288
Class Notes:
Homework Assignments:
Printable copy of homework:
Part 1 - Ideas/themes to know and include in your notes:
Part 2 - Short Answer Question: COMPLETE SENTENCES ONLY - Answer all parts of the question in full. 3/4ths page minimum response.
Part 3 - Vocabulary: These words are from the chapter, class readings, or discussion and will be used in context or need to be defined on the weekly chapter quiz.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/
patriarchy
dehumanize
debilitating
linchpin
hierarchy
paternalism
cavalier
stymie
rudimentary
emancipation
innocuous
staple
aristocrat
apex
Definitions: Fill in the correct word that matches the definition listed.
1.____________________(n.) Control by men of a disproportionately large share of power in society
2.____________________(n.) Used, needed, or enjoyed constantly usually by many individuals
3.____________________(n.) A system under which an authority undertakes to supply needs or regulate conduct of those under its control, pseudo-fatherly
4.____________________(adj.) Causing serious impairment of strength or ability to function
5.____________________(n.) One that serves to hold together parts that exist or function as a unit
6.____________________(n.) A gentleman trained in arms and horsemanship, like the knights of England
7.____________________(n.) One believed to be superior of its kind
8.____________________(v.) To deprive (someone) of human qualities, personality, or dignity
9.____________________(adj.) Not likely to give offense or to arouse strong feelings or hostility
10.___________________(adj.) Consisting in first principles: fundamental
11.___________________(n.) The act or process of freeing someone from constraints: e.g. slavery
12.___________________(n.) Classification of a group of people according to ability or to economic, social, or professional standing
13.___________________(n.) The highest or culminating point
14.___________________(v.) To present an obstacle to: stand in the way of
Class Video:
Slave Narratives Video Guide
Before Watching:
Explain two of the Southern justifications of slavery in the Antebellum era.
While Watching:
“I remember quite well how those poor little children used to have to eat. They were fed in boxes and troughs, under the house. They were fed cornmeal mush and beans. When this was poured into their box, they would gather around it the same as we see pigs, horses and cattle gather around troughs today.” —Octavia George, Oklahoma
4. Why were children on plantations treated this way? What purpose did it serve?
5. What does the film reveal about family life, work, community and religion during slavery?
6. What role did music play in slaves’ lives?
7. The Federal Government paid interviewees to record the stories of former slaves. Is that a valuable use of taxpayers’ money? Why or Why not?