Transition of the Traditonal Cotton Belt

Table of Contents

I. Introduction……………………………………………………………….4

II. Main part………………………………………………………………5-24

II.1. The traditional Belt System……………………………………………5

II.2. Cotton cultivation in the Old South………………………………...6-9

II.2.1. Cotton and its location demands……………………………..6

II.2.2. Conditions in the Old South………………………………...6-7

II.2.3. Conclusion → Cotton cultivation in the Old South……….7-9

II.3. The Cotton Belt…………………………………………………... 9-24

II.3.1. Analysis of the Cotton Belt’s emergence,

Expansion and transition…………………………………..9-14

II.3.1.1. First cotton cultivation in the USA………...9-10

II.3.1.2 Expansion of the cultivation area………..10-14

II.3.1.2.1. Plantation economy……………………….10

II.3.1.2.2. The Civil War…………………………..10-11

II.3.1.2.3. Reconstruction…………………………….12

II.3.1.2.4. Tenant plantation economy ………....13-14

II.3.1.3. Transition of the Cotton Belt……………..14-19

II.3.1.3.1. The boll weevil…………………………14-15

II.3.1.3.2. The Agricultural Adjustments Acts…..15-17

II.3.1.3.3. World War II……………………………….17

II.3.1.3.4. Mechanization…………………………17-19

II.3.1.4. “King cotton” returns to the Old South…..19-20

II.3.2. Evaluation of the transition ………………………………20-24

III. Conclusion……………………….................................................24-25

III.1. Discussion: term “Cotton Belt” justifiable?......................................24

III.2. Summary and reflection……………………………………………….25

IV. Formalities……………………………………………………………26-32

IV.1. Appendix…………………………………………………………..26-27

IV.2. Bibliography……………………………………………………….27-28