Final answer:
The loss of slaves to work in the fields did not contribute to the food shortage in the South during the Civil War; rather, it was due to the drain of manpower into the army, bad weather affecting crops, and Union occupation of food-growing areas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question “During the war, ___ did not contribute to the food shortage in the South.” is D. The loss of slaves to work in the fields.
While the Civil War had a significant impact on the Southern economy, disrupting food production and causing shortages, it was not the loss of slave labor that was the direct cause. Instead, the contributing factors were: A. The drain of manpower into the army, as many men were serving in the military; B. Bad weather causing poor crops, which led to diminished agricultural output; and C. Union occupation of food-growing areas, which resulted in the Union controlling the best food-producing lands. Despite using slave labor, the agricultural economy became less productive due to the war's interference with farming practices and the conversion from cash crops like tobacco and cotton to food production. Inflation and food shortages were prevalent as the blockade became more effective and domestic food production was disrupted.