5. The Importance of Cotton

                As we have learned in this class, plants have had a huge impact on ancient cultures, historical events, and current customs. Of all the plants we’ve talked about so far, I believe that cotton has had the greatest influence on our world (besides wood).

1.

                First of all, cotton was a crop that was traded worldwide, therefore affecting many countries and people along the way. Originally found in India as early as 5 B.C., cotton was brought west to Europe by the Moors. Although Britain was one of the last countries to receive the plant in the 16^th century, cotton became an essential import for the country’s economy. Cotton constituted 66% of the British East India Company’s imports by the 1680s; the profits from trading cotton allowed the company to expand their business and obtain much more power worldwide.

2.

                As trade increased, cotton grew in popularity, and the demand for cotton goods rose in Europe. Cheap slave labor was required to produce enough raw materials on plantations in the American colonies. Cotton became an essential part of the triangle trade, and therefore was involved in the slave trade. Although the demand for cotton and the supply of raw cotton were both present, there was a lack of skilled labor to process the plant and produce cotton cloth. This absence inspired technological advances in Britain to make the process faster and more efficient, and this led to the Industrial Revolution. Although these practices were originally developed for cotton, soon the production of many other goods was mechanized.

3.

                 Although cotton has made a huge impact throughout history, it continues to be incredibly relevant today. This is apparent in how many products cotton is a part of, from food to clothing to currency, to name a few. Furthermore, the production and export of cotton is a huge industry today, which helps the economies of many countries. For example, the United States, one of the largest exporters of cotton, makes $25 million a year from the cotton industry. Cotton’s existing prevalence in society proves its importance throughout history.

4.

Relevant Sites:

https://www.cotton.org/pubs/cottoncounts/story/importance.cfm

http://www.cottonguide.org/cotton-guide/the-world-cotton-market/the-importance-of-cotton-in-world-trade/?menuID=3502

Photo Citations:

1. http://www.loeser.us/flags/images/revolution/british_east_indies_varient_1801.gif

2.­ http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/de/Detailed_Triangle_Trade.jpg

3.http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9d/Interior_of_Magnolia_Cotton_Mills_spinning_room._See_the_little_ones_scattered_through_the_mill._All_work._Magnolia..._-_NARA_-_523307.jpg

4. http://www.altenergy.org/oldgrowth/images/20bucks.jpg