The Dominance of Cotton in the Southern Economy

Matt·

Economy

Preview

At a Glance

Grade Level7th Grade

SubjectEconomy

Original Prompt

Southern Agricultural Economy mid 1800s

This resource focuses on the Southern economy in the mid-1800s, highlighting the pivotal role of cotton, famously referred to as 'King Cotton.' It discusses the agricultural basis of the South's wealth, the labor-intensive nature of cotton production on plantations, and the significance of cotton as a cash crop and major export. The document explores vocabulary related to the economy, presents data on cotton production over time, provides analysis questions surrounding the agricultural economy, and includes a primary source excerpt from Senator James Henry Hammond that emphasizes the power cotton held. Additionally, it examines other cash crops like tobacco, rice, and sugar, and their geographical significance, encouraging students to analyze how these factors influenced the Southern economy.