12. What was the most important aspect of the southern economy in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries? a. Agriculture b. Textile mills c. Tobacco production d. Furniture making

The answer is A. Agriculture.

Explanation:

From 18th century to up until the early 20th century, the southern economy relied on plantations and agriculture and much of their domestic product was from the agricultural sector.

However, this changed gradually after the end of the civil war, abolition of slavery and with the beginning of the guilded age.