The correct answer is D. Plantation Owners
Step-by-step explanation
Since the 17th century, the southern United States was the place where many British settlers settled mainly from Scotland, mainly in the Appalachian and Piedmont region. In this way, these settlers will establish their customs and practices. Later, during the 18th and 19th centuries, the large cotton, tobacco and rice plantations boomed, supported by the enslavement of miles of slaves from Africa. This caused the large landowners to gain a lot of influence in the society of the south at the time and culturally and politically controlled at their convenience. So, the correct answer is D. Plantation Owners.