Southern whites including small merchants small land owners and former whigs were attracted by republician policies of?

Southern whites, including small merchants, small landowners, and former Whigs, were attracted to Republican policies that emphasized economic development, infrastructure improvements, and the promotion of free labor. The party's opposition to the expansion of slavery into new territories resonated with those who sought to create a more diversified economy and compete with the plantation system. Additionally, the Republican emphasis on education and social progress appealed to those looking for a more modern and prosperous society. Overall, these policies aligned with the interests of Southern whites who desired change and growth in the post-Civil War era.