The economic divide that split a colony into two states
In short: Virginia's geography shaped a deep socioeconomic rift. This video explores how the concentration of wealth and power in the lowlands led to the eventual secession of the neglected western frontier.
During the development of the Virginia colony over two centuries, a distinct geographic and economic divide emerged. The low-lying regions became wealthy hubs controlled by a slave-owning elite who used government power to reinvest in their own communities and protect their interests.
In contrast, the area that would become West Virginia remained a poorly governed frontier. Because very little capital was allocated to its infrastructure, the region suffered from neglect, sparking secessionist talk as early as the 19th century.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Why is Virginia Split in Half?
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