King Cotton in Modern America places the once kingly crop in historical perspective, showing how -cotton culture- was actually part of the larger culture of the United States despite many regarding its cultivation and sources as hopelessly backward. Leaders in the industry, acting through the National Cotton Council, organized the various and often conflicting segments to make the commodity a viable part of the greater American economy. The industry faced new challenges, particularly the rise of foreign competition in production and the increase of man-made fibers in the consumer...

King Cotton in Modern America places the once preeminent southern crop in historical perspective, showing how -cotton culture- was actually part of the larger culture of the United States despite the widespread perception of its cultivation and sources as hopelessly backward. Leaders in the industry, acting through the National Cotton Council, organized their various and often conflicting segments to make the commodity a viable part of the greater American economy. The industry faced new challenges, particularly the rise of foreign competition in production and the increase of...