Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Social Science Practice Test

Which crop was most favorable for the lower South due to its ease of growth?

1. Corn

2. Cotton

3. Wheat

4. Rice

The correct answer is: Cotton

The most favorable crop for the lower South due to its ease of growth is cotton. During the 19th century, cotton became the dominant agricultural product in the southern United States, particularly in states like Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The region's climate and soil conditions were exceptionally suited for cotton cultivation, allowing for large-scale production. The invention of the cotton gin in the late 18th century significantly increased the efficiency of cotton processing, making it less labor-intensive to separate the cotton fibers from the seeds. This technological advancement, combined with the high global demand for cotton, especially from the textile mills in England, made cotton a highly profitable crop. While corn, wheat, and rice are also important crops, their specific growing requirements and market demands did not align as closely with the agricultural practices and economic conditions of the lower South during this period. Cotton's adaptability to the soil and climate of the South, along with the economic incentives provided by its market value, contributed to its status as the favored crop in that region.