Problem
Read Alex Lichtenstein, "New South Slavery," and "'Except as Punishment for a Crime,'" from Twice the Work of Free Labor. Answer the following questions in 200-400 of your own words, using complete sentences.
A. Describe Southern court and prison system before the Civil War. How did they change after? Think about the difference between black and white prisoners.
B. What was convict leasing? How did someone become a leased convict? What were the most common jobs leased convicts did?
C. On page 19 Lichtenstein argues that convict leasing was "far more than a functional replacement for slavery." What does he mean? Use your own words. (Hint: think about the modernization of the South, and the move away from an economy based on slave plantations.)
D. Based on this reading, what do you think the relationship is between Southern elites upholding white supremacy, and ensuring a large workforce of cheap laborers? Reference the text, and feel free to reference other readings we have done as well.