The New South and Future South

The New South and Future South

Historians define the New South as the period following Reconstruction. Denoting this as "New" meant that changes had occurred. Most point to the Southern economy and the abolition of slavery, but others elements of Southern life experienced change as well, most of it considered detrimental to the Southern tradition. Yet, for cities like Columbus, GA, the "New South" led to a booming textile industry and a flourishing economy. Moreover, as C. Vann Woodward has illustrated, the New South embraced Northern legal norms regarding race and social status. The New South also saw new developments in Southern culture, particularly in the realm of "leisure." What is this thing known as the "New South", and how does that impact the modern and future South?