Question

Which technological development led to an increased demand for slaves in the United States during the early- to mid-1800s? A) the steel plow B) the cotton gin C) the mechanical reaper D) the combine harvester

Answer 1

The technological breakthrough that led to an increased demand for slaves in the early to mid 1800's was the cotton gin. Since the gin quickly and easily separated the cotton fibers from the seeds, plantation owners were able to increase their rate of production which resulted in greater demand for slaves to work in the fields.

Answer 2

B) The cotton gin was a technological development led to an increased demand for slaves in the United States during the early to mid 1800s. This invention made it easier to separate the seeds from cotton and thus process more cotton quickly. This increased the size of cotton farms and also increased the demand for slave labor.