antebellum South
The Antebellum South refers to the southern United States period before the Civil War, roughly from the late 18th century to 1861. This era was characterized by a plantation economy heavily reliant on agriculture, particularly cotton, and the use of enslaved labor. Society was marked by a rigid class structure, with wealthy plantation owners at the top and enslaved individuals at the bottom. Politically and culturally, the South sought to promote states' rights and maintain its agrarian lifestyle, leading to significant tensions with the industrializing North over issues like slavery and economic policies, ultimately contributing to the Civil War.
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The antebellum South refers to the period in the Southern United States before the Civil War, roughly from the early 19th century to 1861. This era was marked by a plantation-based economy reliant on slave labor to produce cash crops like cotton and tobacco. Society was characterized by a hierarchy that privileged wealthy landowners, while enslaved people faced harsh conditions and limited rights. Cultural elements included distinct music, religion, and social customs. Tensions over slavery and states’ rights eventually contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War, fundamentally altering American society and its values.