How did the economies of the Northern and Southern states develop differently? What led to these differences?
Students should describe the economy of each region with specific supporting details that explain what led the economies to develop the way in which they did. (2 to 5 sentences)
(4 points)
The economy of the Northern states developed primarily based on industry and manufacturing. Factors such as the abundance of raw materials, a large immigrant population willing to work in factories, and access to transportation through canals and railroads contributed to this development. In contrast, the Southern states' economy relied heavily on agriculture, particularly cotton, tobacco, and rice. This was largely due to the availability of fertile land, a warm climate suitable for cash crops, and the labor-intensive practices of slavery that supported the plantation system.
