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?
How did the expansion of railroads and innovations make more efficient ways to gin and bale cotton?
3 SENTENCE
Developments both outside of Texas and inside the state encouraged Texas farmers to rapidly increase the amount of cotton they grew from 1860 to 1900. The demand for Texas cotton was primarily in the textile mills of the northeastern United States and in Europe. This demand was fueled by the growing industrialization and urbanization, as well as the increasing popularity of cotton clothing.
Cottonseed and oleomargarine played a significant role in changing the demand for cotton. Cottonseed oil became an important component in the production of various food products, such as cooking oil and salad dressings. Oleomargarine, a butter substitute made from cottonseed oil, also increased the demand for cotton.
The expansion of railroads and innovations in the cotton industry made the ginning and baling process more efficient, allowing farmers to increase their cotton production. Railroads provided a faster and more reliable means of transporting cotton from Texas to the textile mills, opening up new markets for Texas cotton. Additionally, innovations in ginning and baling machinery allowed farmers to process cotton more quickly and with less labor, increasing their productivity and profitability.