Final answer:
After the Civil War, the Southern economy worsened due to the decline in profitability of cotton, and the destruction of farms and infrastructure. The passage of Reconstruction acts and discriminatory policies also hindered economic progress in the South.
Step-by-step explanation:
After the Civil War, the Southern economy underwent significant changes. The economy worsened due to the destruction of farms and the decline in profitability of cotton. The war had devastated plantations and infrastructure, leading to a decline in agricultural production.
Cotton, which had been a key export and source of revenue for the South, became less profitable due to competition from other regions and the loss of enslaved labor. Additionally, the passage of the Reconstruction Acts and the withdrawal of federal troops allowed for the implementation of discriminatory policies and practices that hindered economic progress in the South.
Overall, the Southern economy faced challenges and a decline after the Civil War, rather than witnessing improvements or the discovery of gold in North Carolina.
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