Question

2. Eli Whitney believed that his cotton gin invention would make cotton production more efficient and reduce that need for enslaved labor. How did his invention actually affect the Southern economy?

Answer 1

Although the cotton gin made cotton processing less labor-intensive, it helped planters earn greater profits, prompting them to grow larger crops, which in turn required more people. Because slavery was the cheapest form of labor, cotton farmers simply acquired more slaves.

Answer 2

the cotton gin made growing cotton profitable throughout the south.

Step-by-step explanation:

The profitable growing of cotton created a huge demand for slaves to grow the cotton. Few were needed to separate the cotton fibers which made it possible to grow acres and acres of cotton.