King Cotton

"King Cotton" was a term used in the 19th century to highlight the economic and political importance of cotton in the Southern United States. Cotton became a dominant crop due to its high demand in global markets, especially for textile manufacturing. Its profitability strongly influenced Southern society, economy, and politics, leading many to prioritize cotton cultivation and maintain the institution of slavery, which provided the labor needed for large-scale cotton farming. The phrase underscores how cotton effectively "ruled" Southern priorities and shaped the region's development during that era.