King Cotton

noun

, U.S. History.

1. cotton and cotton-growing considered, in the pre-Civil War South, as a vital commodity, the major factor not only in the economy but also in politics.

Word History and Origins

Origin of King Cotton¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

Once so key to the plantation economy of the Deep South that politicians sometimes referred to their diplomatic strategy simply as “King Cotton,” the crop’s demand from U.S. manufacturers is on an unrelenting — and accelerating — decline.

From Seattle Times

In the 19th century, Frederick Douglass drew on the heathen barometer to say: How can we send foreign missionaries overseas to save the so-called heathen when white Americans are bowing at the altar of King Cotton?

From Salon

Contrary to the advertisement's claims about King Cotton growing next to King Corn, no cotton could be grown in the Panhandle.

From Salon

The brochure claimed that "King Corn and King Cotton grow side by side, yielding in excess of forty-five bushels of corn and a bale of cotton per acre."

From Salon

“Aw, don’t worry, King Cotton will take care of his friends. You could be my ward, my heir apparent. Play your cards right, and you could have your own little palace here. Pick any one you want—they’re all empty.”

From Literature