• Discuss the role of the “cotton revolution” and other factors in the expansion and transformation of slavery during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. (CO#1, #5)
• Explain slavery’s influence on national politics and the development of prevailing Northern and Southern views on slavery (CO#4, #5, #6/Gen.Ed. Outcome 4.2)

Slavery grew along with the United States, not just in the number of slaves but in the nature of the institution itself. It underlay the South’s wealth and to a great degree formed the South’s political and social identity. The “cotton revolution” enabled the expansion of slavery westwards and the same time that the Northern states abolished it within their borders. The nation’s westward expansion soon confronted the United States with several political controversies that reinforced sectional differences.

In preparation for our discussion be sure to read and view the Module Notes, Chapter 11: “The Cotton Revolution (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.” in The American Yawp, Mullen, L. (2014), “These Maps Reveal How Slavery Expanded Across the United States (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.”, and Freedom’s Road: Slavery and the Opposition (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. In addition please read the following primary sources:  The Missouri Crisis (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. (1820) and Calhoun, J. C. (1837), Slavery a Positive Good (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..

Using the primary and secondary source materials above as evidence, consider the following in a post of at least 250 words:

• How did the American system of slavery change by the early 1800s because of the “cotton revolution”?
• How did different political, economic, and ideological differences between the North and South shape the debate over slavery in the early 1800s?

Then, over the course of the week, respond to the posts of at least two of your classmates.

Your initial post is due by Thursday at 11:59PM. Your responses are due by Sunday at 11:59PM.

Consult the Discussion Posting Guide for information about writing your discussion posts. It is recommended that you write your post in a document first. Check your work and correct any spelling or grammatical errors. When you are ready to make your initial post, click on “Reply.” Then copy/paste the text into the message field, and click “Post Reply.” This is a “post first” discussion forum. You must submit your initial post before you can view other students’ posts.

To respond to a peer, click “Reply” beneath her or his post and continue as with an initial post.