In what ways was the economy of the New South different from, and similar to, the economy of the past?

After the Civil War ended and Reconstruction began, there were many changes in the South. One of those changes dealt with the economy of the South. Before the Civil War, the South had very little industry. Because of the mild climate and fertile soil, the vast majority of southerners were farmers. They grew various products including tobacco, wheat, rice, and cotton. By 1860, cotton became the main exported product of the southern farmers.

After the Civil War ended, things changed in the South. Many people still were farmers, but there was a definite growth in the number of industries in the South. Southerners realized they need an economy that was based on options than just mainly on farming. The growth of industries helped the South’s economy diversify as time passed. Additionally, as industries grew, more railroads were built in the South. Northerners began to invest in the South. This also helped industries grow. Gradually the "New South" was becoming less dependent on farming as more industries were being developed throughout the region.