Lancashire Cotton Famine

The Lancashire Cotton Famine (1861–1865) was a severe economic downturn caused by the collapse of the global cotton supply during the American Civil War. Lancashire, a key center for cotton textile manufacturing in England, faced a shortage of raw cotton, leading to factory closures, unemployment, and economic hardship for workers and communities. The disruption highlighted the region’s dependence on imported raw materials and prompted efforts to develop alternative sources and technologies. The famine underscored the interconnectedness of global trade and the vulnerability of local industries to international conflicts and supply chain disruptions.