The Antebellum South refers to the period in the Southern United States before the Civil War, roughly from the late 18th century to 1861. This era was characterized by a plantation economy that relied heavily on slavery for labor, particularly in the production of cash crops like cotton and tobacco. The social structure was hierarchical, with wealthy plantation owners at the top and enslaved people at the bottom. During this time, Southern society was marked by distinct cultural elements, including music, literature, and religion. The region's economy and way of life were deeply intertwined with the institution of slavery, leading to significant political and social tensions with the Northern states. These tensions ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War.