How did developments both outside of Texas and inside the state encourage Texas farmers to rapidly increase the amount of cotton that they grew from 1860 to 1900? (Unit 2 Lesson 7 page 4)
Points to include in your answer:
Where was the demand for Texas cotton
Why was there a demand?
How did cottonseed and oleomargarine change the demand for cotton?
1. Demand for Texas cotton: The demand for Texas cotton was not only domestic but also international. The industrial revolution, particularly in Europe and the United States, led to a significant growth in textile manufacturing and a subsequent increase in demand for cotton fibers. Cotton mills were being established in various parts of the world, including Europe, the United States, and Asia, creating a consistent demand for raw cotton.
2. Reason for demand: Cotton was the primary material used in the production of textiles, and it had several qualities that made it highly desirable. Cotton fibers were strong, flexible, and could be spun into threads that were suitable for weaving into fabric. Cotton also had excellent moisture absorption properties, making it comfortable to wear in various climatic conditions. Additionally, cotton could be easily dyed and printed, allowing for a wide variety of colors and patterns in textile production. These factors contributed to the increased demand for cotton.
3. Cottonseed and oleomargarine: The development of new technologies and products from cotton, such as cottonseed oil and oleomargarine, further increased the demand for cotton. Cottonseed oil was extracted from the seeds of cotton plants and was found to be a versatile and cheap substitute for other cooking oils. This discovery led to an increased demand for cotton crops as farmers began growing cotton not just for the fiber but also for the valuable byproduct of cottonseed oil. Similarly, oleomargarine, a butter substitute made from animal fat and vegetable oils, was also found to be produced from cottonseed oil. This created an additional market for cotton farmers and further incentivized them to increase their cotton production.
Overall, the combination of growing demand for cotton in the textile industry, as well as the discovery of valuable byproducts from cotton crops, such as cottonseed oil and oleomargarine, encouraged Texas farmers to rapidly increase the amount of cotton they grew between 1860 and 1900.