Ep 5. North vs. South

How The States Got Their Shapes is an informative television series that explores how each state in the United States received its unique shape. The show’s second season episode 5 is titled “North vs. South.”

This episode delves into the historical competition between the states north of the Mason-Dixon line versus the states south of it. The Mason-Dixon line separates Pennsylvania from Maryland, and is considered the unofficial boundary between the North and South.

The episode begins by exploring the reasons why the North and South have such different cultures and beliefs. For instance, the South is often considered more conservative, while the North is seen as more liberal. These differences can be traced back to the early history of our country, during the time of the American Revolution and the Civil War.

Throughout the episode, viewers are taken on a journey through various states' geography and demographics. The show examines how the country’s different landscapes and environments shaped each state into what it is today. For example, the North is known for its harsh, cold winters, while the South enjoys warmer weather year-round. These climate differences have impacted the development of each region’s economy, culture, and people.

The show also explores how immigration patterns influenced regional differences across the country. For example, many people from European countries such as Ireland and Germany settled in the North, while the South was more heavily settled by people from African countries and the Caribbean. These different cultural backgrounds directly impacted the evolving beliefs and practices of each region.

The Civil War played a significant role in shaping the ongoing competition between the North and South. The episode discusses how the North’s victory in the war allowed them to impose their beliefs and ideals upon the South, leading to a continued effort to defy Northern-imposed values.

Another way that the two regions diverged was through their approaches to industry and agriculture. The North focused more heavily on industry, while the South was reliant upon agriculture. These different economic models have had lasting implications, including the proliferation of urbanization in the North versus the predominance of rural lifestyles in the South.

The episode delves into key issues such as slavery, which was a hotly contested topic during the Civil War and even beforehand. Slavery was a fundamental issue that divided the North and South. Ultimately, the Civil War was fought over this matter, leading to the abolition of slavery in the United States.

Throughout the episode, the show’s host, Brian Unger, provides historical context and insightful commentary. He leads viewers through the fascinating and complex debates surrounding the North vs. South competition and its influence on the development of the modern-day United States.

Overall, “North vs. South” is a noteworthy episode of How The States Got Their Shapes, one which offers valuable insights into the historical forces that have shaped our country into what it is today. This episode is highly recommended for anyone wishing to gain a deeper understanding of the differences between the North and South in the United States.