The cultivation of cotton which was the primary crop of the South had become simpler and faster, this allowed planters to meet the growing demand for cotton and make a healthy profit. Agriculture was seen as a guaranteed profit and there wasn't a great need for industrial plants down South since the North could fill the industrial needs of the nation. Also the creation of industrial plants would be seen as a risky venture since the North had well-established plants that were probably more effective. I might not have the answer your teacher was looking for so please check you sources.
