Reconstruction in Georgia:
How did freedmen and poor whites in the South earn a living after the Civil War?
After the Civil War, freedmen and poor whites in Georgia faced numerous challenges in earning a living due to the devastated state of the economy and the discriminatory practices that persisted during Reconstruction.
1. Sharecropping: Sharecropping became the predominant economic arrangement for many freedmen and poor whites. Under this system, landowners rented out land to individuals who lacked capital or resources. In return, the tenants, mostly freedmen, would work on the land, typically in the form of farming, and in exchange would give a portion of their crop to the landowner as rent. However, sharecroppers often faced exploitative terms, increasing their dependency on the landowners and trapping them in a cycle of debt and poverty.
2. Wage Labor: Some freedmen and poor whites found employment as wage laborers, working for others and earning a fixed wage. They could work in various fields such as agriculture, construction, domestic service, or as skilled laborers like carpenters or blacksmiths. However, due to the prevalence of discrimination, it was often difficult for freedmen, especially, to find steady employment or receive fair wages.
3. Migration: In search of better economic opportunities, many freedmen and poor whites migrated to urban areas in Georgia or to other parts of the country. Urban centers like Atlanta, Macon, and Savannah offered industrial jobs, such as factory work or railroad labor. By moving to urban areas, individuals hoped to escape the harsh conditions of rural life and gain access to a wider range of job opportunities.
4. Entrepreneurship: Despite the challenges, some freedmen and poor whites managed to establish small businesses to support themselves and their families. These could include small-scale farming, local stores or shops, blacksmithing, barbering, or providing various services to their communities. The success of these ventures varied widely, and many small businesses struggled due to limited access to capital and discrimination.
Overall, the lives of freedmen and poor whites during Reconstruction were marked by economic instability, limited opportunities, and continued discrimination. While some were able to develop a sustainable livelihood, the majority faced ongoing hardships and challenges in their efforts to earn a living.