Cotton

Definition

Cotton is a soft fiber that grows around the seeds of cotton plants. It became a major cash crop during the colonial period due to its high demand in textile manufacturing.

Related terms

Eli Whitney: An American inventor known for inventing the cotton gin, which revolutionized cotton production by efficiently separating seeds from raw cotton fibers.

Southern economy: The region's economic system heavily reliant on agriculture and enslaved laborers, with cotton being a dominant crop in this system.

Textile industry: Refers to the sector involved in producing fabrics and garments from raw materials like cotton.