Arkansas And The New South, 1874-1929

by Carl H. Moneyhon

This study, examines the struggle of Arkansas's people to enter the economic and social mainstreams in the years from the end of Reconstruction to the beginning of the Great Depression.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

168 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1997

Reviews

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first published in the Histories of Arkansas series, this book covers the era between Reconstruction and the Great Depression.

Unlike With Fire and Sword: Arkansas, 1861-1874, the volume that precedes this one in the series chronologically, Arkansas and the New South doesn't cover its assigned period in a strictly chronological narrative. Instead, the book covers the era through examining broader issues separately, such as urban development, and the plight of farmers. The overall structure still follows a rough chronological structure, but bounces around a bit as it transitions between the different chapters.

I mention this because I would have preferred a more strictly chronological structure for what is supposed to be a broad history of the state.

Still, it's a very interesting look at the period, with the overall thesis being that Arkansas wasn't as big a failure during this period as it is generally thought to be. The state still managed a great deal of progress in spite of all the handicaps it operated under. The biggest of those appearing to be an inherent fiscal conservatism enforced by the established moneyed interests that inevitably fought against the funding of needed improvements, limiting whatever progress could be achieved.

The single most glaring example of this that sticks in my memory from the book was that in 1915 the Federal census evaluated the property of Arkansas as being worth $1.5 billion, but the locally controlled state assessment offices that were effectively dictated to by wealthy land owners valued the property at less than a third of that for tax purposes!

The author doesn't belabor this point, instead covering a wide range of factors that both helped and hindered Arkansas' growth during the period. He also does not ignore the subject of racial issues, showing how as some African Americans achieved more economic success, segregation laws were passed to maintain the 'social order' that economics alone had maintained in the past.

Highly recommended to anyone with an interest in Arkansas history.

[Clberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of being able to take two classes taught by Dr. Moneyhon at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. I have just read this work of his on my home state and it's unique history. I have to say in all the years I've been studying history and reading the works of others on the subject, Moneyhon is in a league all his own. His writing is simplistic, easy to read, and even entertaining to those who care about the subject. After reading this book I find myself wanting to read more into the subject of Southern History/Arkansas History. This is a rare quality in historical writing since most of it tends to be geared toward other historians, but Dr. Moneyhon is well aware of his audience. I think that this book should be read by all who study the American South and the little state I call home.

[Scott Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really good primer on a little known part of my home state's history. The statistics within about schools for this era and the state's dependence on cotton farming are very illuminating. Arkansas was struggling for much of this time period with problems that would linger for most of the 20th century, including poverty, racism and an inability to adequately finance state government.