what is the South going to do for economy now that slavery is abolished?

What has the South done economically for the last 150 years?

They are farmers

Right. They continued farming, using tenant farmers as low-paid workers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenant_farmer

The abolition of slavery in the South had a significant impact on its economy. To understand what the South did after slavery was abolished, it is vital to delve into historical events and economic developments.

1. Diversification of Agriculture: With the end of slavery, the large-scale plantation system that relied on enslaved laborers was disrupted. To adapt, the South gradually shifted away from cash-crop monoculture, such as cotton, towards a more diversified agricultural system. This included growing crops like tobacco, rice, vegetables, fruits, and grains to sustain local markets.

2. Industrialization: The South focused on expanding its manufacturing and industrial sectors to stimulate economic growth. Industries like textiles, ironworks, lumber, and food processing emerged, creating job opportunities for both former slaves and white laborers.

3. Sharecropping and Tenant Farming: To sustain agricultural production, the South implemented systems like sharecropping and tenant farming. Under these arrangements, freed African Americans and poor white farmers could lease or work on portions of land in exchange for a share of the crops produced. While these systems offered some income, they also perpetuated cycles of poverty and dependence.

4. Migration and Urbanization: The abolition of slavery prompted significant migration patterns, with freed African Americans seeking opportunities in urban areas and industrial centers in the North and South. This influx of labor helped fuel urban growth and create new economic opportunities in cities.

5. Reconstruction Policies: Following the American Civil War, the United States enacted Reconstruction policies to rebuild the South and promote economic development. These included infrastructure projects, such as building railways and improving transportation networks, which aimed to integrate the South into the national economy.

6. Jim Crow Laws: Unfortunately, racial segregation and discrimination, enforced through Jim Crow laws, hindered the economic progress of African Americans in the South. These laws limited their access to education, land ownership, and fair employment opportunities, exacerbating economic inequalities.

It is important to note that the effects of the abolition of slavery and subsequent economic changes were complex and varied across different regions of the South. Moreover, the legacies of racism and inequality continued to shape the economic landscape for years to come.