New South Movement

Definition

The New South Movement was a late 19th-century initiative aimed at modernizing the Southern economy and society after the Civil War. It emphasized industrialization, urbanization, and economic diversification, moving away from the agricultural dependence that had characterized the antebellum South. This movement sought to redefine the South's identity, promoting ideas of progress and modernization, which were critical during the implementation of various New Deal programs and the rapid industrial growth in cities like Atlanta.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The New South Movement emerged in the 1870s and was largely influenced by Henry Grady, who advocated for economic diversification beyond cotton agriculture.
2. One of the key features of the movement was the promotion of manufacturing, particularly textiles, which led to the establishment of numerous cotton mills across Georgia.
3. The movement sought to reshape Southern society by encouraging education and improving infrastructure to support industrial growth.
4. Atlanta became a significant hub for the New South Movement, transforming from a railroad town into a bustling center for commerce and industry during this period.
5. The New Deal programs in Georgia during the 1930s built upon some principles of the New South Movement by providing federal support for infrastructure projects and economic recovery.

Review Questions

• How did the New South Movement influence economic development in Georgia during the late 19th century?
  • The New South Movement greatly influenced economic development in Georgia by shifting focus from an agrarian-based economy to one that embraced industrialization and urban growth. This transformation led to the establishment of textile mills and factories that provided jobs for many Georgians. The movement also encouraged improvements in transportation and infrastructure, allowing cities like Atlanta to grow and attract investment, fundamentally changing Georgia's economic landscape.
• In what ways did Henry Grady contribute to the ideals of the New South Movement, and how did his vision impact Georgia's future?
  • Henry Grady played a crucial role in promoting the ideals of the New South Movement through his writings and speeches that advocated for industrial development and economic diversification. His vision highlighted the need for a departure from the traditional agricultural economy, emphasizing education and modernity. Grady's ideas helped shape policies that encouraged investment in manufacturing sectors, paving the way for future economic growth in Georgia.
• Evaluate the relationship between the New South Movement and New Deal programs in Georgia, considering their mutual goals for economic recovery and social change.
  • The relationship between the New South Movement and New Deal programs in Georgia reflects a continuity of goals aimed at economic recovery and social change. Both movements sought to address economic hardship; while the New South Movement focused on transitioning from agriculture to industry in the post-Civil War era, New Deal programs aimed to provide immediate relief and long-term recovery during the Great Depression. The investments in infrastructure and job creation initiated by New Deal programs can be seen as an extension of the modernization efforts that characterized the New South Movement, further shaping Georgia's economic landscape.

Related terms

Henry Grady:

A journalist and orator who was a leading advocate for the New South Movement, promoting industrialization and economic development in the South.

Cotton Mills: Industrial facilities that became central to the New South's economy, representing a shift from agricultural labor to factory work.

Urbanization:

The process of population movement from rural areas to cities, significantly accelerated by the New South Movement as people sought jobs in new industries.