What was the main promise of the New South program?

The main promise of the New South program was to promote industrialization and economic growth. This movement emerged in the post-Civil War South, particularly during the late 19th century, as a response to the region's economic struggles and reliance on agriculture, specifically cotton. Proponents of the New South envisioned a diversified economy that included industries such as textiles, iron, and railroads, aiming to modernize the Southern economy and create new job opportunities for its citizens.

The focus on industrial growth would help alleviate poverty and thus establish a more robust economic framework that could compete with the rapidly industrializing North. This initiative marked a significant shift away from the predominantly agrarian lifestyle that had previously defined the South, showing a commitment to embracing new economic opportunities and fostering a sense of prosperity through diverse means of production.