Which economic system was primarily dominant in the Southern states prior to the Civil War?

The dominant economic system in the Southern states prior to the Civil War was agriculture, particularly characterized by cotton plantations that relied heavily on slave labor. This system was deeply embedded in the Southern economy and society, making cotton a key cash crop that fueled both local and international markets. The invention of the cotton gin in the late 18th century significantly increased cotton production, leading to greater reliance on enslaved African Americans for labor.

As the South became more agrarian, this focus on cotton and other agricultural products created a distinct economic structure that emphasized rural plantations over urban industry. While the Northern states were increasingly moving towards manufacturing and diverse economic activities, the South's economy was largely dependent on agricultural exports. This reliance on agriculture and slave labor was one of the key factors that led to tensions between the North and South, eventually contributing to the Civil War.