Notes on U.S. Cotton Production, Slavery, and Events Leading to the Civil War

Growth of Cotton Production

• Cotton Production Increase
  • In 1817, the U.S. exported 461,000 bales of cotton.
  • By 1860, this number surged to 4,800,000 bales.
  • Outcome: Cotton became critical to the U.S. economy.
• Cotton as a Major Export
  • By 1860, cotton accounted for 50% of all U.S. exports.
  • Major buyers were countries like England and textiles industries in Northern states such as Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New York.

Economic Impact of Slavery

• Cost of Enslaved People
  • By 1860, young enslaved men (20-25 years old) priced between $1,800 and $2,000.
  • For example, acquiring 10 young men would equate to a total cost of $20,000, a significant investment for plantation owners.
• Plantation Debt
  • Plantations relying heavily on enslaved people often faced debt due to their high purchase costs and the desperate need for labor.

Current Context and Challenges in Education

• Ongoing concerns about educational policies affecting mentions of diversity, equality, and slavery in school curriculums.
• Recent articles indicate potential funding cuts to institutions, which restrict how history is taught regarding prominent figures like Andrew Jackson, and events surrounding African American history.
  • Concern: Teachers may face job loss for presenting diverse historical perspectives.

Territorial Expansion and Statehood

• Mexican-American War and Territorial Changes
  • The U.S. expanded significantly after wars with Mexico, acquiring territories now part of the U.S.
• State Admission Controversy
  • Debate over whether new states from these territories would be free or slave states.
  • Missouri Compromise: Made to balance free and slave states (e.g., Maine as free, Missouri as slave).

Slave Trade Sources

• Prior to 1808, enslaved individuals mostly came from Africa and the Caribbean.
• Post-1808, the international slave trade was illegal, so the national slave trade became critical.
  • Enslaved people were often sold from Upper South states (e.g., Virginia, Maryland) to Lower South states.

Socio-Economic Structure of the South

• Social Hierarchy
  • Plantation economy created a pyramid structure:
  • At the top: Wealthy landowners.
  • Middle: Landless whites (who competed with enslaved for jobs).
  • Bottom: Enslaved individuals.
• Impact of Slavery on Society
  • Enslaved labor was crucial for maintaining the economic structure, social control, and status of plantation owners.

Civil War Context

• The South’s reluctance to relinquish slavery was tied to political beliefs in state rights.
• Fear of Losing Control: Without slavery, landless whites might gain more power, threatening the plantation economy.
• Black Soldiers in the Civil War:
  • Known as colored troops, they fought for their freedom and the freedom of others, with a clear understanding of their motives compared to some white soldiers, who fought for the Union without fully grasping the implications.

Legislative Timeline Leading to Civil War

• Wilmot Proviso (1846):
  • Proposed banning slavery in territories acquired from Mexico, but it never passed due to Southern opposition.
• Compromise of 1850: A significant event affecting the future of slavery in new territories:
  • Admitted California as a free state.
  • Ended slave trading in Washington D.C., while reinforcing laws against aiding runaway slaves.