Reference no: EM131420153

Details the condition of southern life in the nineteenth century, a time and place that has been labeled, the"Old South". One of the most interesting aspects of the Old South is the degree to which poor whites defended the institution of slavery even though slavery almost ensured their perpetual poverty. Some historians have argued that poor people commonly try to align their status and perspective with the wealthier classes so as to gain favor with the wealthy. Other historians have argued that poor whites defended slavery on account of ideas of southern manhood. Why do you think poor whites defended slavery and eventually went to war in its defense?