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Cotton was a crucial crop for the Southern United States due to its high demand in the textile industry, particularly in Europe and the Northern states. The invention of the cotton gin in 1793 significantly increased production efficiency, making cotton a lucrative cash crop. This economic reliance on cotton also fueled the expansion of slavery, as plantation owners sought to maximize profits by utilizing enslaved labor. Ultimately, cotton's importance shaped the South's economy, society, and political landscape, leading to deep regional divisions.

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1w ago

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