Question

What role did the first families of Virginia play in Southern politics?

Answer 1

"The American Revolution cut ties with Britain but did not cut traditions. While some Tory First Family members remained loyal to Britain and saw their fortunes decline after the Revolution, others were Whigs who not only supported but led the Revolution. They flourished until the time of the Civil War, when they lost their slaves and much of their wealth. However they kept their traditions and much of their political power. Fishwick says that by the 1950s, "the Oldtime Aristocracy has not given up, or sunk into decadence as the Southern novelists suggest." They adopted modern technology and co-opted rich "Yankees" into their upper class rural horse-farm society."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Families_of_Virginia

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