Which statement describes southern society before the Civil War?

A. Three-fourths of white southerners were "plain folk" who owned no slaves.
B. The vast majority (90%) of white southerners owned slaves.
C. Southern society contained social mobility for black southerners, especially those enslaved who were given educational and economic opportunities.
D. Slaves were relatively inexpensive, making any white southerner with money able to become part of the planter class.



Answer :

Final answer:

Only 14% of white southern families owned slaves, with a complex social structure rooted in white supremacy.


Explanation:

The statement that describes southern society before the Civil War is:

  • Three-fourths of white southerners were 'plain folk' who owned no slaves.

Contrary to common belief, by 1860, only 14% of white southern families owned slaves, with varying numbers of slaves owned by these families. The southern society was structured around white supremacy, with a wealthy white ruling class and poor white farmers, along with enslaved or free African Americans facing significant challenges.


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