Final answer:
The South experienced severe economic and agricultural destruction during the Civil War, with substantial damages to its plantation economy and infrastructure, leading to political dependence and economic destitution post-war.
Step-by-step explanation:
The South suffered considerable economic destruction during the Civil War. The war significantly undermined the South's plantation economy and disrupted the normal functioning of society, including agricultural production, upon which the Southern economy heavily depended. Post-war, the South faced political dependence and economic destitution, manifesting in a struggle to contend with the Union's reconstruction efforts and the resulting racial, social, and economic landscape changes. The region's infrastructure, including railroads and bridges, was also heavily damaged, affecting both transport and commerce.