Meaning: This quote by Margaret Mitchell, the author of "Gone with the Wind," reflects a common perception of the South during the antebellum period and the years following the Civil War. The quote suggests that the South was known for producing statesmen, soldiers, and professionals in fields such as agriculture, medicine, law, and literature, but not for excelling in engineering and mechanical work, which were seen as "low callings" compared to the traditional Southern pursuits.

During the antebellum period, the Southern economy was largely agrarian, relying on the labor-intensive production of cotton, tobacco, and other crops. This emphasis on agriculture meant that many Southern planters and landowners focused on managing their plantations and overseeing the production of cash crops. As a result, there was a cultural emphasis on the values of gentility, honor, and leisure, which were associated with the planter class.

The quote also alludes to the absence of significant industrial and technological development in the South compared to the North. The Northern states, often referred to as "Yankees" in the quote, experienced rapid industrialization during the 19th century, leading to the establishment of factories, railroads, and other infrastructure that drove economic growth and innovation. This industrial and technological progress created a demand for engineers and mechanics, who played crucial roles in advancing these developments.

In contrast, the South's economy was heavily reliant on enslaved labor for agricultural production, and the region did not experience the same level of industrialization as the North. The scarcity of industrial and engineering pursuits in the South can be attributed to several factors, including the prevalence of plantation-based agriculture, the resistance to investing in industrial infrastructure due to the profitability of slave labor, and the focus on preserving traditional social and economic structures.

Furthermore, the quote reflects a certain degree of regional pride and identity, suggesting that the South prioritized and celebrated pursuits such as statesmanship, military service, and the cultivation of literature and the arts, while dismissing the perceived "low callings" of engineering and mechanical work as more fitting for Northerners.

It is important to note that Mitchell's quote reflects the attitudes and perspectives of a specific historical period and should be considered within the context of the social, economic, and cultural dynamics of the time. While the quote captures a prevalent sentiment about the division of labor and cultural values between the North and South, it also underscores the complex and evolving nature of regional identities in the United States.

In summary, Margaret Mitchell's quote sheds light on the traditional perceptions of the South as a region known for producing statesmen, planters, and professionals in fields such as medicine, law, and literature, while downplaying the significance of engineering and mechanical work. The quote reflects the historical realities of the antebellum and post-Civil War South, illuminating the economic, social, and cultural dynamics that shaped regional identities during that era.