The Cotton Economy

The Cotton Economy refers to the period when cotton became the central crop driving the economy in the southern United States. It relied heavily on large-scale cotton farming, which required extensive land, labor, and resources. This economy was fueled by the demand for cotton in textile manufacturing, mainly in Britain and Northern US states. To meet this demand, plantation owners often used enslaved African Americans as laborers, making slavery a crucial part of the system. The Cotton Economy significantly influenced the region’s social, political, and economic development during the 19th century, shaping its history and legacy.