After the Civil War, slavery was no longer legal in the U.S. Explain how this change impacted Texas’s political and economic identity. Answer in 3–5 sentences, and be sure to include examples from the material you read. You should provide one economic effect and one political effect
The abolition of slavery after the Civil War had significant impacts on Texas's political and economic identity. Economically, Texas saw a major shift in its agricultural industry as plantation owners could no longer rely on free labor. Cotton production witnessed a decline as labor costs increased, and there was a gradual shift towards other crops and industries. Politically, the end of slavery challenged the power dynamics of the state. African Americans gained some political rights, such as the right to vote and hold public office, leading to the emergence of African American politicians like Norris Wright Cuney and Jack Steward. These changes not only altered the economic foundation of Texas but also led to a reconfiguration of political power in the state.
