Slavery: Slavery was an institution that played a significant role in maintaining the social hierarchy in southern society during the early republic. Enslaved individuals were considered property and held no rights or privileges.
Plantation System: The plantation system was an economic and social structure in which large agricultural estates (plantations) owned by wealthy landowners relied heavily on enslaved labor to maintain their wealth and status.
Paternalism: Paternalism refers to the belief or practice of those in power (slave owners) who viewed themselves as benevolent caretakers of enslaved people, justifying their authority over them within the social hierarchy.