ECONOMIC BALANCE

The southern economy was compromised of mainly agriculture, and the northern economy relied heavily on trade and manufacturing.

The North’s trade-focused economy and strong railroad system brought much wealth to the region.

Civil War era society was divided into the wealthy, the middle class, and the poor. Rich folk in the South owned sprawling plantations and were usually educated and powerful. The middle class was made up of mainly tradesmen, and the lowest group of people were the poor and working class.