Difference between North USA and South USA
Numerous cultural and societal lines have traditionally been drawn between the northern states of the US and the southern and to this day many of these divisions remain. In spite of the advancement of society and the homogenization of American culture, it seems that distinctions will continue to be made between both regions. So we have seen fit to provide a guide to some of the more telling characteristics of each.
Where It Is
When the term "North US" is used, it is typically in reference to the states that stayed loyal to the American Union during the civil war. Among the Union States that comprised the North US are California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota and Missouri.As for the South US, it is comprised of the states of Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana and certain sections of Missouri, Texas and Oklahoma, among others.
First Immigrants
The first immigrants to North US were actually among the first European immigrants to the country, having come from England in the 17th century. Comprised mostly of Protestants, these hardy travelers were in search of a new land in which they could practice their religion unimpeded and in which they could institute true political reform. While the area they ended up in was hardly suitable for farming due to the poor soil and harsh winters, these immigrants persevered and eventually formed the foundation for what is now one of the biggest contributors to the economy of the region.The South US was first populated by English Protestants as well, although these immigrants were decidedly less revolutionary in their temperament. Perhaps this was partly due to the warmer weather and more favorable farmlands in the region, both of which are factors that certainly led to the rise of agriculture as the main industry in the area.
Today
Today, the South US is particularly favored by tourists and retirees, due to its warm climate and striking landscape. While farming remains one of the regions largest industries, it has gradually given way to manufacturing and tourism as the biggest contributors to the economy of the region. In fact, the South US has become quite urbanized over the past several decades, becoming more and more like the North US as time goes on.
Summary
North US
- Is historically comprised of the states that stayed loyal to the United States during the American Civil War
- First populated by Protestants from Great Britain
- Famous for various cultural contributions
- Renowned educational institutions
- Characterized by a varied mix of ethnic groups
- Original 13 colonies
South US
- Comprised of Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, and sections of Missouri, Texas and Oklahoma
- First populated by English Protestants as well
- Characterized by laid back lifestyle steeped in tradition
- Home of the famous “southern hospitality”
- Has become more industrialized and urban over the past few years
- Widespread poverty, particularly in the rural areas
- Marked by the BP oil spill
