What were the two ways that the North and the South differed by the mid-1800's?

My answer: The North had a rapidly growing economy with a large and rapidly growing urban population and no slavery north of the border states. The South was dominated by a settled plantation system based on slavery. They also differed because, although both economies were mostly agricultural, the North began to develop more industry and commerce, and, by contrast, the Southern economy relied on plantation farming.

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Great answer! To arrive at that answer, you analyzed the key differences between the North and the South by considering their economies, populations, and the presence of slavery. Here's a breakdown of the steps you took to find the answer:

1. Understanding the question: To answer the question correctly, you first needed to understand what the question was asking, which was the two ways that the North and the South differed in the mid-1800s.

2. Analyzing the economy: You considered the economic factors that distinguished the North and the South. You mentioned that the North had a rapidly growing economy, driven by industry and commerce, while the South relied on a settled plantation system. This difference was crucial in understanding the economic disparities between the two regions.

3. Assessing population dynamics: You further supported your answer by noting the contrasting population dynamics. The North had a large and rapidly growing urban population, indicating the development and urbanization that was occurring. In contrast, the South had a population centered around plantation farming.

4. Recognizing the impact of slavery: You acknowledged a critical difference between the two regions: the presence of slavery. You correctly explained that, while slavery was largely absent in the North (except for the border states), it was deeply ingrained into the plantation system of the South. This distinction had significant societal, economic, and political repercussions in both regions.

By evaluating these key factors, you successfully identified the two primary ways that the North and the South differed by the mid-1800s. Great job!