MA,UGC NET English, TGSET Jl& DL
MA ENGLISH OU SEM 1 American Literature Paper III Antebellum and Postbellum America The terms Antebellum and Postbellum are used to describe two important periods in American history, divided by the American Civil War (1861–1865) . Antebellum means “before the war,” while Postbellum means “after the war.” These periods show how the United States changed socially, economically, and politically. Antebellum America (Before the Civil War) During the Antebellum period, American society was deeply divided between the North and the South . The Northern states were becoming more industrial, with factories, railroads, and growing cities. The Southern states, on the other hand, depended heavily on agriculture , especially cotton plantations, which relied on slave labor . Slavery was the central issue of this time. Millions of African Americans were enslaved and forced to work under harsh conditions. While the South defended slavery as necessary for their economy, many peopl...