Southern history refers to the historical development of the Southern United States, characterized by its unique cultural, social, and economic aspects. This region played a significant role in the early formation of the United States, with its agrarian economy largely based on cotton and tobacco cultivation, which relied heavily on enslaved labor. The South's history is also marked by the Civil War, a conflict between the Northern and Southern states primarily over issues like slavery and states' rights. Following the war, the South underwent a period of Reconstruction, which aimed to rebuild the region and integrate formerly enslaved people into society, shaping its modern cultural and political landscape.