Which statement best describes the condition of Georgia in terms of society and economy prior to the Civil War?

The choice that best describes Georgia's condition prior to the Civil War is that it was a sharply divided society strongly dictated by the institution of slavery. This reflects the reality of the time, where the economy of Georgia, similar to other Southern states, was heavily reliant on agriculture, particularly the cultivation of cash crops like cotton and tobacco, which were labor-intensive and thus depended on enslaved labor.

The institution of slavery created a significant social hierarchy. Wealth was concentrated among slaveholders, while a large population of enslaved people formed the bottom tier of society, leading to profound class divisions. The economic success of Georgia was tied to this social structure, with slavery being central to both the economy and the social fabric of the state. The presence of different classes based on wealth and race contributed to the division within society, further emphasizing the harsh living conditions and lack of rights for enslaved individuals.

In contrast, the other statements do not accurately reflect the historical context of Georgia during this period. The economy was not diverse and was primarily agricultural; social divisions were stark, contradicting the notion of a homogeneous structure; and Georgia was not primarily an industrial society, as manufacturing played a much smaller role compared to agriculture.