Question

How did the invention of the cotton gin in 1793 affect the use of slave labor in the south

Answer 1

With Eli Whitney's invention, the cotton gin, cotton lint could be produced quickly and efficiently at up to 50 pounds per day. Plantation owners found they needed more slaves in the field to meet the increased ability of the gin.

Answer 2

C. Although the cotton gin did not alter the task performed by enslaved workers, the number of workers sharply increased.