Which group in Southern society held the greatest political and economic power before the Civil War?

Question

A.
free African Americans in the South

B.
non-slave owning whites

C.
plantation owners

D.
slave owners who owned one or two slaves

Answer 1

C. plantation owners

Before the Civil War, plantation owners held the greatest political and economic power in Southern society. They were typically wealthy individuals who owned large estates and numerous slaves, which enabled them to dominate the economy and wield significant influence in political affairs.