Question

The relationship between rich southern planters and poor southern farmers led to numerous violent uprisings in the southern hill country. The relationship was strained by planters' insistence that farmers participate in the slave patrols. The relationship showed itself in politics, with the poor becoming Whigs and planters becoming Democrats. The relationship benefited in part from a sense of unity bred by criticism from outsiders. What was the relationship between rich southern planters and poor southern farmers?

1) Strained by planters' insistence that farmers participate in the slave patrols
2) Showed itself in politics, with the poor becoming Whigs and planters becoming Democrats
3) Benefited in part from a sense of unity bred by criticism from outsiders
4) All of the above

Answer 1

The relationship between rich southern planters and poor southern farmers was characterized by tensions due to economic control and political differences, yet was also unified by a shared commitment to white supremacy and a defense against external criticism.

Step-by-step explanation:

The relationship between rich southern planters and poor southern farmers during the antebellum period in the American South was multifaceted and complex. It was strained by planters insisting that farmers participate in the slave patrols, which served to maintain the system of slavery that benefited the planters' economic interests. In the political sphere, class distinctions were evident, with poor farmers often gravitating towards the Whig party, which opposed the Democrats, the party of choice for many planters. Despite these tensions, there was a bond formed through a common belief in white supremacy and a shared defense against criticism from outsiders, which provided a sense of unity among white Southerners regardless of class.

This relationship was characterized by a dependence on the agricultural economy that eschewed industrialization for a conservative, slavery-based system underpinned by a rigidly hierarchical race-based class system. Planters enjoyed significant wealth and political power, whilst poor farmers aspired to ascend the social ladder through land ownership and by participating in the institution of slavery. However, both groups were united in their fear of slave uprisings and in their belief in racial superiority over enslaved people, which helped to maintain the existing order.