Final answer:
Atlanta’s rapid economic recovery post-Civil War was due to the reconstruction of its railroad network, aligning with the 'New South' vision that encouraged immigration and industrial growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rapid economic recovery of Atlanta after the Civil War can be largely attributed to a focus on rebuilding the city's railroad network. Editor Henry Grady and other proponents of the 'New South' vision argued that development was dependent on railroad construction, which would promote greater democracy, encourage immigration, and facilitate the growth of factories. Considering the pre-war disorganized state of Southern railroads with different track widths and routes designed mainly to connect cotton plantations to ports, post-war efforts concentrated on creating a more standardized and efficient railroad system which played a key role in Atlanta's resurgence.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question 'What contributed to Atlanta’s rapid economic recovery after the Civil War?' is C: City leaders focused on rebuilding Atlanta's railroad network.