Summary of Chapter 19
In the words of Henry Grady, “New South presents a perfect democracy.” The rise of the redeemers, also known as Bourbons, presented a better life to the southerners. Redeemers dominated the politics of the south and were to save their compatriots from domination by the Yankees. Bourbons achieved a lot in terms of allying with the northern conservatives, reducing state expenditure, and perhaps their most notable achievement, reconciling traditional innovation.
In the economic front, between 1880 and1900, the textile industry expanded rapidly. More women and children were engaged in milling than men. Southerners stopped relying on slave trade. The Duke family initiated the growth of the tobacco industry. Moreover, the systematic use of natural resources was adopted in the Appalachian Mountain chain. The growth of industries saw the number of houses increase due to demand.
The Southerners disliked black presence in politics. In 1889 a first all-black university, Fisk predicted that relations between races would improve for the better. Nevertheless, the progress of black people, “Negros” was discouraged. In 1890, political dynamics worsened the racial conflict. Populists wooed black votes while the redeemers (small men) propose for the complete removal of black votes in achieving indirect disenfranchisement.
The second half of the 19th century saw the mass production of mining. Areas that initially had vegetation cover were drastically affected. California farmers who cultivated downstream began protesting on the effects of mining. It was challenging to restrict these activities as miners controlled the majority of the votes. However, in 1884, the farmers got their break when judge Lorenzo Sawyer ruled in their favor to restrict the activities.
A treaty signed by the Indians and white frontiers was later broken. The disagreements led to frequent wars and possibly the most “foulest and unjustifiable crime in American history” when John M. Chavington orchestrated the massacre of 200 peaceful Indians. The lives of buffaloes which the Indians considered dear to them was lost. Political and Religious leaders raised concern over Indian brutalization.
The Dawes Severalty Act of 1887 was enacted to protect Indians. It was followed by the Burke Act of 1906 that allowed Indians to become American citizens once they become interested in a life devoid of tribal relations. However, it wasn’t all glory as land sharks took advantage of Indian ineptitude by invading and taking ownership of more than 50% of their fertile land allocated to them by the Dawes Severalty Act.