Ida B. Wells Crash Course Black American History

The video explores the historical and economic significance of cotton in the United States, highlighting its role in the economy, the exploitation of enslaved people, and its global impact. It discusses the invention of the cotton gin, the Civil War, and the long-term effects of slavery on generational wealth and inequality.

What does the term 'intergenerational wealth' mean in the context of black Americans and the cotton industry?

What were the long-term effects of slavery and the cotton industry on wealth distribution in the United States?

Reflect on the statement: 'Cotton was the United States' biggest export for more than a century.' What does this imply about the country's economic structure?

How did the economic benefits of the cotton industry differ between white Americans and black Americans?