Answer:
The boom in southern agriculture during the late 19th and early 20th century was caused by a combination of several factors including:
Technological advancements - The introduction of new machinery such as the cotton gin and mechanical reaper increased efficiency and productivity.
Expansion of railroads - The expansion of railroads provided a more efficient means of transportation for goods, allowing southern agriculture to reach national and international markets.
Favorable climate - The warm, humid climate of the South was ideal for growing crops such as cotton, tobacco, and sugarcane.
Abundant land and labor - The availability of cheap land and a large supply of labor, in the form of enslaved and later freed African Americans, allowed for the expansion of southern agriculture.
Economic incentives - High demand for southern crops and favorable market conditions provided economic incentives for farmers to increase production.