The geography and the economy of the southern states in the years leading up to the civil war is described by question 17 options: a. they controlled all of the nation's imports (goods bought) and exports (goods sold) because of its ports on the atlantic coast and the gulf of mexico. b. agriculture was the dominant economic activity because of its fertile soil and warm climate. c. manufacturing and industry became the dominant activity because of its harsh climate. d. shipbuilding was the dominant economic activity