How did forward thinking southerner's want to change the south's economy?

By creating industries, railroad systems and textile mills. 

The South would have industries based on the region's abundant coal, iron, tobacco, cotton, and lumber. Southerners would embrace this new economy with a spirit of hard work and regional pride. Textile mills sprang up across the South. The American Tobacco Company eventually controlled all tobacco manufacturing in the nation. Southern mills produced nearly 20% of the nation's iron and steel. They had a cheap and reliable workforce. The southern railroad system was rebuilt.