Answer:
The basis of wealth in the northern states was industry.
Step-by-step explanation:
Industrialization reached North America in the 19th century thanks to Samuel Slater (referred to as the Father of the American Industrial Revolution), who introduced British industrial methods to the textile production. It took off in the northern states because these were the places where the first settlers developed their society. In addition, the soil and weather conditions greatly affected the type of activities that were led. The soil was much richer in the southern states, which made it possible for agriculture to develop and grow. So the south remained agrarian at that time and this was the basis for their wealth, while the northern states took control of the emerging industries.