Characteristics of the Southern Gentry:
1. Wealth and Land Ownership: The members of the Southern Gentry were wealthy landowners, primarily owning vast plantations and agricultural estates. They accumulated significant wealth through the ownership of land and crops such as cotton, tobacco, and rice.
2. Social Hierarchy: They occupied the highest social status within the Southern society. The Southern Gentry considered themselves as the elite class, superior to other social groups such as small farmers, merchants, and enslaved individuals.
3. Education: Members of the Southern Gentry often received higher education, frequently attending prestigious colleges or universities. They placed great value on classical education and the cultivation of intellectual pursuits.
4. Political Influence: The Southern Gentry held considerable political influence and often served as the ruling class in their respective states. Many prominent politicians and statesmen in the South emerged from this social group, including governors, senators, and plantation owners.
5. Etiquette and Manners: The Southern Gentry adhered to strict social codes, emphasizing proper etiquette and manners. They valued social customs such as hospitality, gentility, and the preservation of Southern traditions.
6. Family Dynasties: Members of the Southern Gentry typically belonged to established family dynasties that had accumulated wealth over generations. These families maintained a sense of exclusivity and lineage was a source of pride.
7. Slavery: The Southern Gentry depended heavily on the institution of slavery to cultivate and maintain their wealth and lifestyles. They believed in the preservation of the plantation economy and the racial hierarchy that supported their social order.
The prominence and influence of the Southern Gentry declined significantly after the Civil War, as the institution of slavery was abolished, economic dynamics shifted, and the power structures changed in the South. Nonetheless, the legacy of this social class persists in the cultural, social, and economic fabric of the region.