Answer:
The Mississippi
Explanation:
Cotton was the city's most lucrative export, bringing in $220 million into the city by 1840, and many factors made New Orleans a logical exporter.
The crowd with which Ben associates serves as a reference group.
A reference group refers to any group of people which share and influence other people's behaviors, ideas, beliefs, and opinions. Given that Ben spends a lot of time with the 'jocks,' Greg and Larry, he is considered by others a member of their group as he shares the same interests and ideas as them.
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