following the end of the civil war most freedmen and poor whites in the south earned a living through
Most freedmen and poor whites in the South earned a living through various means, though their experiences varied significantly.
1. Sharecropping: Sharecropping emerged as the primary economic arrangement for many freedmen and poor whites after the Civil War. Under this system, landowners provided land, tools, and supplies, while laborers (sharecroppers) performed the agricultural work. In return, sharecroppers paid a portion of their crops as rent. However, this system often left sharecroppers in debt and trapped in cycles of poverty.
2. Tenant farming: Similar to sharecropping, tenant farming involved individuals leasing land from landowners and paying rent in the form of crops or cash. However, in this arrangement, the tenants had more control over their farming operations. Some freedmen and poor whites managed to become successful tenant farmers and even acquire their land over time.
3. Wage labor: Many freedmen and poor whites worked as wage laborers for plantation owners or in industries such as mining, logging, construction, and railroads. They typically earned low wages and often faced exploitative working conditions.
4. Small-scale farming: Some freedmen and poor whites managed to acquire small plots of land through government programs, such as the Homestead Act of 1862 or the Southern Homestead Act of 1866. These individuals engaged in subsistence farming, growing crops and raising livestock to sustain their families.
5. Crafts and trades: Some freedmen and poor whites found employment as skilled artisans, such as blacksmiths, carpenters, and weavers. They offered their services to other community members or worked in towns and cities.
6. Domestic service: Many freedmen and poor white women found work as domestic servants or cooks in households of wealthier white families. They performed tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and childcare.
7. Education and professional employment: A small number of freedmen pursued education and entered professional careers, becoming teachers, doctors, lawyers, or ministers. However, opportunities were limited due to institutional racism and lack of resources.
It is essential to note that systemic racism, discriminatory laws (such as Black Codes and Jim Crow laws), and pervasive attitudes of white supremacy hindered economic prospects for freedmen and poor whites in the post-Civil War South.