The term "antebellum" refers to the period before a war, specifically the time period in the United States before the American Civil War, which lasted from 1861 to 1865. In a broader sense, it can describe any period in history that occurs before a significant conflict.
The word "antebellum" is derived from the Latin phrase "ante bellum," which translates to "before the war." The term became popular in the United States to describe the years leading up to the Civil War, particularly regarding cultural, social, and economic conditions.