Final answer:
It is false that the South could grow enough food to meet its needs during the Civil War; shortages were prevalent due to an emphasis on cash crops, disruptions from the war, Union blockades, and transportation issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the South was able to grow enough food to meet its needs is false. During the Civil War, the South faced numerous challenges that led to food shortages. Many farmers focused on cash crops like tobacco and cotton, which could be stored and sold later, rather than growing food crops. The food that was produced often went to support the Confederate troops. Furthermore, the Union blockade and the focus on producing export crops before the war meant it took time to convert to food production. When the Union took control over the best food-producing land and many men were serving in the military, agricultural output diminished. The lack of an internal transportation system in the South further exacerbated the problem, often causing food supplies to rot before reaching their destination. The overcrowded conditions in the cities and the focus of smugglers on more profitable items than food contributed to the hardships faced by the Southern civilian population.