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?
Several developments outside of Texas as well as within the state encouraged Texas farmers to rapidly increase cotton production from 1860 to 1900. These developments include:
1. High demand for cotton: During this period, there was a global surge in demand for cotton due to the industrial revolution, which created a vast market for cotton textiles. The demand for cotton textiles increased exponentially, fueling the need for more cotton production.
2. Introduction of new cotton strains: Outside of Texas, advancements in plant breeding and the introduction of new cotton strains, such as the "Petit Gulf" and "Lone Star," significantly increased cotton yields and made it easier to cultivate. These improved strains offered higher productivity, better resistance to diseases, and longer growing seasons, making cotton farming more attractive.
3. Access to water resources: Texas farmers benefited from the development of irrigation systems and improvements in water management techniques, particularly after the completion of the Texas and Pacific Railway in 1881. This railway facilitated the transportation of water pumps, irrigation machinery, and technologies to previously arid regions, allowing farmers to cultivate larger areas of land for cotton farming.
4. Expansion of railroads: The rapid expansion of railroads both within Texas and connecting the state to other markets significantly improved transportation and reduced costs for farmers. Railroads facilitated the movement of cotton from remote areas to commercial centers and ports, allowing farmers to access larger markets and receive higher prices for their cotton.
5. Availability of cheap labor: The abolition of slavery led to the emergence of a desperate workforce seeking employment opportunities in the post-Civil War era. Many former slaves and poor whites turned to cotton farming as a means of survival, offering an abundant source of cheap labor for Texas farmers.
6. Government support and subsidies: Texas, like other Southern states, received federal support and subsidies for agricultural development during this period. The government provided funding for agricultural research, experiment stations, and extension services to educate farmers about modern farming practices and increase cotton production.
7. Technological advancements: The advent of mechanized agriculture, such as the cotton gin and mechanical planters, reduced the labor-intensive nature of cotton farming, enabling farmers to cultivate larger areas within a shorter timeframe. Technological innovations made farming more efficient and economically viable, encouraging farmers to expand cotton production.
By leveraging these external and internal developments, Texas farmers were able to rapidly increase the amount of cotton they grew between 1860 and 1900. This led to a significant expansion of the cotton industry in Texas, making the state one of the largest cotton producers in the United States.