The predominant agricultural power in the Antebellum South was the cultivation of cotton.
How important was cotton?
Cotton's profitability led to its extensive growth, necessitating large labor forces. Enslaved individuals were systematically exploited for labor, enabling mass production.
The South's economy became heavily reliant on cotton exports, elevating the region's global significance in trade.
However, this reliance perpetuated and entrenched the institution of slavery, reinforcing social divisions and contributing significantly to the economic disparities and tensions leading up to the Civil War.
The Complete Question
What agricultural power prevailed in the Antebellum South of the United States before the Civil War, and what were its implications on the economy and society? Explain the dominant crop, its cultivation techniques, and the reliance on enslaved labor. Elaborate on the economic significance and social ramifications of this agricultural power on the South.