Final answer:
A key economic difference between the North and South before the Civil War was that the North had a diversified and industrialized economy, while the South relied on a plantation-based economy. The North also had a larger number and variety of industries. Additionally, the South had a more extensive system of railroads and canals.
Step-by-step explanation:
A key economic difference between the Northern and Southern United States before the Civil War was that the North had a more diversified and industrialized economy, while the South relied heavily on a plantation-based economy. The North had a greater number and variety of industries, such as manufacturing and banking, which contributed to its economic growth. In contrast, the South focused primarily on agriculture, particularly the production of cash crops like cotton, using slave labor.
This economic difference played a significant role in shaping the overall culture, politics, and social dynamics of the two regions. The North's industrialization led to the rise of urban areas with a growing middle class, while the South remained predominantly agrarian and relied on enslaved labor. Additionally, the North's industrial economy allowed for the emergence of a free labor system, whereas the South's plantation-based economy heavily depended on the institution of slavery.
Furthermore, the South had an extensive system of railroads and canals, which facilitated the transportation of goods and raw materials. This infrastructure contributed to the South's ability to expand its agricultural production and trade with other regions.
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