Question

Compare the social and cultural characteristics of the North, the South, and the West during the antebellum period, including the lives of African Americans and social reform movements such as abolition and women’s rights.

Answer 1

There are several social and cultural characteristics associated with the Antebellum period in the North, South and West.

Explanation:

The period between the war of 1812 and the Civil War is considered as the Antebellum period. It was a period of radical changes within the American society and economy. The population states of the North were earlier dependent on agriculture but the rise of industrialization during the Antebellum period meant that the North took to manufacturing sector more.

In the south plantations became a central part of the economy as cotton production flourished and became very profitable. Manifest destiny, the idea that Americans are morally superior to other people emerged during this period and led to the expansion of American territory towards the west.

The American territory thus expanded to the Pacific. This was also a period which saw the rise of abolitionist movements that considered slavery to injustice done to the African Americans. Women’s rights also began to be addressed during this period.