After the Civil War, Alabama’s economy and communities began to change. New industries grew, trade practices changed, and small farmers worked together to fight for fair treatment. These changes shaped how people lived and worked in the late 1800s.
Industry and Trade
Alabama started to grow its industries. The cotton industry became even bigger, but other industries grew too. Alabama produced more lumber, turpentine, and iron. These products were sent to other places to be sold, which brought more jobs and money to Alabama. Trade also changed. New railroads and ports made it easier to move goods around the state and to other states.
Changes in Farming
Many farmers in Alabama were yeoman farmers. These were small farmers who worked hard on their own land. After the Civil War, farming became more difficult. Prices for crops dropped, and farmers often had to borrow money to keep their farms going. Some farmers switched to crop diversification, which means they grew different kinds of crops instead of just cotton. This helped protect them when cotton prices were low.
The Rise of Populism
Because life was hard, small farmers began to speak up. They wanted reforms, or changes, to make things fairer. This movement was called Populism. Populist leaders said that small farmers and workers deserved better treatment. They asked for things like lower railroad prices, fairer loans, and more help from the government. Even though Populism did not solve every problem, it showed that small farmers had a voice and could work together to try to make things better.
A Changing Alabama
All of these changes—new industries, new trade practices, and the rise of Populism—helped shape Alabama’s economy and communities. Some people found new jobs in factories and mills. Others kept farming but tried new ways to succeed. Alabama was growing and changing, and small farmers and workers played an important part in its story.