A Comparison of The King Cotton Era and The Decade of The Civil War

There are several events that happened in ancient America just before just before the American Civil War, i.e. pre-1877. These historical events played a great in shaping the face and early history of the United States of America. The implications of the historical events were both positive and negative to the environment and the inhabitants, both the native Americans and Black-Americans. The historical events ranged from politics to agricultural economics and to some extent religion.

One of the major historical events in early American history includes the King Cotton era and the growth of agricultural productivity. During the King Cotton era, the state of the American market for raw cotton on the eve of the American civil war changed. There was also tremendous change in the sector of agriculture and agricultural productivity growth during the decade of the civil war. The aim of the paper is to describe the comparison between the two historical events in the early American history. An analysis of the historical issues of the two events is also made. Also, the impact of the two events on the culture, social, economic, and social structure at that time is also discussed.

The King Cotton Era

The Economic History Society of America (i.e. about 75 years ago), describes the state of the American market for raw cotton before and on the eve of the American civil war.[1]

There has been an argument whether the historical event was a monarch or a pretender. During the time, the northerners and the southerners were in a conflict packed with hostility about cotton production. The southerners who had a strong military prowess had already dominated the world market due to massive cotton production which they boasted of. South Carolina Senator James Hammond said that there would be a crisis if cotton is not furnished for the next three years (Craig and Weiss 1993). Therefore, no should war against the cotton. “Cotton is king!” The steady growth in the demand for cotton in the 1860s led to the tremendous increase in the cotton prices with the southerners being the major producers and suppliers of the cotton (the monarchs).

Agricultural Productivity Growth During the Decade of the Civil War

Evidence from various studies shows that the output per agricultural worker increased during the decade of the civil war, i.e. between 1860 and 1870 than in the previous century. From one perspective, the civil war was considered as a catalyst that boosted agricultural productivity. However, some evidence regards the robust performance was as a result of the improvement in the labor force from women and children in high numbers. The first agricultural revolution also occurred during the civil war period in 1860, i.e. mechanization of farm workers to supplement manpower.

A Comparison of the Two Historical Periods

There are several differences between the two historical periods both economically, politically, and socially. The king cotton era destabilized the American economy and unequal development due to unequal distribution of resources. The poor economy of the states was also as a result of the influx in the prices of the cotton[2]. On the other hand, during the decade of the civil war, there was agricultural productivity growth which led to economic development of the country. The rising conflict between the southerners and the northerners increased enmity between them resulted in political instability which led to frequent economic and physical wars and destruction of property. While there was inadequate labor force in the cotton farms due to lack of unity between the two groups, there was plenty supply of labor force from men, women, and children in the agricultural farms during the decade of civil war.

The increased manpower together with the mechanization of farm practices which were absent during the previous decade led to an increase in agricultural productivity, hence economic growth (Surdam 1998). However, despite the conflicts between the north and the south Americans, the southerners maintained the production and supply of raw cotton and hence maintain their ”king status.” Therefore, the main difference between the two periods was economic stability and economic growth and development.

Conclusion

The political, social, and economic situation of a county greatly contributes to the productivity, stability, and development of a nation. The two articles serve as an evidence during the two historical periods. The evidence from the labor input and productivity (out) shows that some economic and political situations in a country can be utilized to enhance economic, social, and political development. However, this sounds imperative since in many situations, during political instability periods in any country results to poor economy and political instability. Cooperation and unity are empowerment tools that can be used in every country to promote agricultural productivity, hence leading to economic development.

Bibliography

Craig, Lee A., and Thomas Weiss. 1993. ”Agricultural Productivity Growth During The Decade Of The Civil War”. The Journal Of Economic History 53 (03): 527-548. doi:10.1017/s0022050700013474.

Surdam, David G. 1998. ”King Cotton: Monarch Or Pretender? The State Of The Market For Raw Cotton On The Eve Of The American Civil War”. The Economic History Review 51 (1): 113-132. doi:10.1111/1468-0289.00085.

[1] Craig, Lee A., and Thomas Weiss. 1993. ”Agricultural Productivity Growth During The Decade Of The Civil War”. The Journal Of Economic History 53 (03): 527-548. doi:10.1017/s0022050700013474.

[2] Surdam, David G. 1998. ”King Cotton: Monarch Or Pretender? The State Of The Market For Raw Cotton On The Eve Of The American Civil War”. The Economic History Review 51 (1): 113-132. doi:10.1111/1468-0289.00085.