Who had limited opportunities for freed African-Americans and women, the southern economy, or the northern economy before the Civil War
Both freed African-Americans and women had limited opportunities in both the southern and northern economies before the Civil War. In the South, freed African-Americans faced deep-rooted racism and discrimination, which severely limited their access to education, employment, and economic opportunities. Women, both black and white, also faced significant restrictions on their rights and opportunities in the South, particularly in terms of education, property ownership, and political participation.
In the North, while there were generally more opportunities for freed African-Americans and women compared to the South, they still faced significant barriers to economic and social advancement. Discriminatory practices, gender norms, and limited educational opportunities all contributed to the marginalization of these groups in the northern economy.
Overall, both the southern and northern economies before the Civil War presented significant challenges for freed African-Americans and women in terms of accessing economic opportunities and achieving social mobility.