What was the economic relationship between the North and the South in the early 1800s?

In the early 1800s, the North and South of the United States had distinctly different economic systems, which created a complex interdependence. The North developed a diverse economy based on manufacturing, trade, and agriculture, while the South relied heavily on agriculture, particularly cotton production, supported by slave labor. The North purchased raw materials like cotton from the South and provided manufactured goods in return, creating a vital economic link. However, growing tensions over slavery and economic disparities would eventually lead to conflict between the two regions.