Before the Civil War, cotton was a crucial component of the Southern United States’ economy, often referred to as "King Cotton." Its cultivation fueled the expansion of plantations and sustained the slave economy, making it the primary export of the region. The high demand for cotton, both domestically and internationally, positioned the South as a significant player in the global market. This reliance on cotton contributed to deepening sectional divides between the North and South, framing economic interests within the larger context of slavery and ultimately secession as regional tensions escalated.