in the 1830s and 1840s, most southern whites
a. were beginning to oppose slavery
b. saw no need to reform their society
c. promoted prison and public school reforms
d. encouraged industrial development in the South
i picked B
Right! :-)
To determine the correct answer to this question, it is important to understand the historical context of the 1830s and 1840s in the southern United States. These decades were marked by significant developments and disagreements regarding slavery and the direction of southern society.
Option B suggests that most southern whites saw no need to reform their society during this period. While it is true that there were significant portions of the southern population who opposed any kind of societal change and defended their way of life, this was not the majority viewpoint. So, option B is incorrect.
Option A suggests that most southern whites were beginning to oppose slavery in the 1830s and 1840s. However, the reality was quite the opposite. Slavery was deeply ingrained in the economic and social fabric of the southern states, and only a minority of whites were actively opposing it. So, option A is also incorrect.
Option C suggests that most southern whites promoted prison and public school reforms during this time. While there were certainly some individuals and groups advocating for such reforms, it was not a widespread sentiment among most southern whites. So, option C is incorrect.
Option D suggests that most southern whites encouraged industrial development in the South during the 1830s and 1840s. This is the correct answer. This period saw a growing interest in industrial development in the South, particularly in regions such as the Piedmont and upper South. Many southern whites recognized the need to diversify the southern economy beyond agriculture, and therefore supported industrial initiatives. The development of textile mills and other manufacturing facilities grew during this time. So, option D is the correct answer.
In conclusion, the correct answer is d. encouraged industrial development in the South.