The south's economic and social problems after the war contributed greatly to its political problems.
After the Civil War, slavery was outlawed barricading southern plantation owners from forcing former slaves to work. This had an immense effect on the Southern economy which was rooted in slave labor. Many politicians from the South called for a “New South” wherein the economy was boosted through manufacturing and commerce.
Many politicians were divided over whether or not poor whites and African Americans should be included in “New South” prosperity prospects.
