Total Population
During the antebellum period in the colonies, the North had a greater total population due to immigration from outsiders and migration from the South. The fact that the North was mostly a free region made migration and immigration appealing to both whites and blacks. This greater total population led to a higher need for a mainstream, uniform education system. The South, however, had a lower population, thus lowering the need for school systems. According to the "Antebellum Southern Exceptionalism: a new look at an old question" by James M. McPherson, "The greater volume of immigration to the free states contributed to the faster
rate of population growth there than in the South. Another factor in this differential growth rate was out-migration from the South. During the middle decades of the nineteenth century, twice as many whites left the South for the North as vice versa" (McPherson).
Although there is no quantitative data to express the differing populations in the two regions, maps created during the time period indicate a clear separation.
rate of population growth there than in the South. Another factor in this differential growth rate was out-migration from the South. During the middle decades of the nineteenth century, twice as many whites left the South for the North as vice versa" (McPherson).
Although there is no quantitative data to express the differing populations in the two regions, maps created during the time period indicate a clear separation.
Based on evidence showing that the North had a greater total population than the South due to various reasons during the antebellum period, the North had a stronger call for a centralized school system. With more people, there was a greater need for education systems. Therefore, the difference in population distribution contributed to the difference in education systems in the North and South.