What was the Southern economy like before the war broke out compared to how it was after the war?

There was great wealth in the South, but it was primarily tied up in the slave economy. In 1860, the economic value of slaves in the United States exceeded the invested value of all of the nation's railroads, factories, and banks combined. On the eve of the Civil War, cotton prices were at an all-time high.

the answer is b just took the test

this is a good question! i'll do some research and come back when i have the answer!