The combination of a change in American taste, a technological breakthrough, and the accelerated development of a classic southern product gave the South one of its few opportunities to control a national market. What was the item? A. fine hardwood furniture

B. beef

C. whiskey

D. cigarettes

The correct answer is D. cigarettes.

Explanation:

From the end of the 19th century, the industrialization and mechanization of the cigarette manufacturing process allowed its diffusion to a larger population and made its consumption more massive. In a few decades, cigarette consumption became widespread in most western countries, reaching more than 50% of the adult population.

The take-off of this massive consumption of tobacco occurs, in the United States, from the 20s of the 20th century, between the 30s and 40s in Central Europe and from the 50s in Spain. This phenomenon triggered one of the most serious health problems that modern society has faced.