The South (USA)

The South (USA). The American South, also known as the Southern United States, Dixie, or simply the South, is a large region in the southeastern United States. Due to the region’s distinct cultural and historical heritage, including early European settlements, the institution of slavery, the Civil War, and the Jim Crow era, it has developed its own unique traditions and customs, setting it apart from other areas of the United States.

Defining the South:

The definition of the Southern United States varies. The U.S. Census Bureau defines the South as comprising 16 states and the District of Columbia: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. However, other common definitions exclude some of these states, such as Delaware, Maryland, and West Virginia, due to their distinct histories and cultures.  

Culturally, the South is often defined by its shared history, including:

• Slavery and the Civil War: The legacy of slavery and the American Civil War (1861-1865) is central to the Southern identity.
• Agrarian Society: Historically, the South was largely an agrarian society, with cotton, tobacco, and other crops playing a significant role in its economy and culture.
• Distinct Culture: The South is known for its distinctive music (blues, country, rock and roll, jazz), literature (William Faulkner, Flannery O’Connor, Tennessee Williams), cuisine (soul food, barbecue), and social customs.

History:

• Early Settlement: The South was one of the first regions of the United States to be settled by Europeans, with early colonies established in Virginia and the Carolinas.
• Plantation Economy: The region developed a plantation economy based on the cultivation of cash crops, primarily cotton, using enslaved African labor.
• Civil War and Reconstruction: The issue of slavery led to the secession of Southern states and the outbreak of the Civil War. The South’s defeat in the war resulted in the abolition of slavery and the period of Reconstruction, which aimed to rebuild the region and integrate formerly enslaved people into society.
• Jim Crow Era: After Reconstruction, Southern states enacted Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation and disenfranchisement.
• Civil Rights Movement: The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s challenged racial segregation and discrimination in the South, leading to significant social and political change.
• Modern South: The South has undergone significant economic and social transformation in recent decades, with urbanization, industrialization, and the rise of a more diverse population.

Culture:

• Music: The South is the birthplace of many influential musical genres, including blues, country, rock and roll, and jazz.
• Literature: Southern literature is known for its exploration of themes such as race, history, and identity.
• Cuisine: Southern cuisine is diverse and flavorful, with regional variations and influences from African, European, and Native American traditions.
• Religion: The South is known for its strong religious traditions, particularly Protestant Christianity.
• Social Customs: Southern hospitality and a strong sense of community are hallmarks of Southern culture.

Economy:

The Southern economy has diversified significantly in recent decades. While agriculture remains important in some areas, the region has also seen growth in manufacturing, technology, and tourism.

Politics:

The South has historically been a stronghold of the Democratic Party, but in recent decades, it has become increasingly Republican.

Demographics:

The South is home to a diverse population, including large African American, European American, and Hispanic populations.

Challenges:

The South continues to face challenges related to poverty, inequality, and racial disparities.

States Commonly Included:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Florida
• Georgia
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Virginia  

States Sometimes Included:

• West Virginia.
• Delaware
• Maryland
• Oklahoma
• Texas