Why did plantation owners grow cotton balls?

Plantation owners grew cotton because it was a highly profitable cash crop, especially with the rise of the textile industry in the early 19th century. The invention of the cotton gin made it easier to process cotton, increasing its market value and demand. Additionally, cotton cultivation was labor-intensive, which led plantation owners to rely on enslaved labor to maximize their profits. This economic model significantly contributed to the growth of the Southern economy in the United States.