What was the main economic driver of Georgia before the Civil War?

Before the Civil War, cotton emerged as the primary economic driver in Georgia. This period marked the rise of what is known as the "Cotton Economy," where cotton became a major cash crop, significantly influencing the state's agricultural landscape and economy. The invention of the cotton gin by Eli Whitney in 1793 made the processing of cotton much more efficient, leading to a dramatic increase in production and profitability.

Cotton cultivation required extensive land and labor, which contributed to the expansion of slavery in the region, as plantation owners sought to maximize their output. By the mid-19th century, Georgia was one of the leading cotton-producing states in the South, and the crop played a central role in the socio-economic structure of the state. The reliance on cotton not only shaped agricultural practices but also influenced trade, transportation infrastructure, and the state's overall economic strategies leading up to the Civil War.

While rice, tobacco, and sugar were cultivated in Georgia, they did not match the scale and impact of cotton during this period. These crops had their significance, but none contributed to the state’s economy in such a dominant manner as cotton did.