Three major items trade along the trade silk road routes.

Explanation:

1: Silk (Obviously)

2: Paper

3: Gunpowder

Bonus: The Black Death

one of the main reasons was definitely slavery. back in 1861, republican abraham lincoln was elected and ended up being a major influence in the slavery business. slavery greatly affected the texas economy because back in 1845 during the annexation of texas, slaves became a big part of the texas population. many texans that were in favor of the secession influenced groups through party ties.