225k views
4 votes
What was the significance of the invention of the Cotton Gin in relation to American slavery?

O It made slaves unnecessary, hastening the end of the institution.
It failed to alleviate shortcomings in cotton production, thus leading southern plantation owners to increase their investment in manual labor.
O It made slavery more profitable, prolonging the existence of the institution.
It did not have an impact on American slavery.

User Hugerde
by
7.7k points

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

The invention of the Cotton Gin made slavery more profitable, leading plantation owners to increase their reliance on manual labor, thus prolonging the institution of American slavery.


Step-by-step explanation:

The invention of the Cotton Gin had a significant impact on American slavery. It made slavery more profitable by greatly increasing the efficiency of cotton production. The cotton gin, patented by Eli Whitney in 1794, mechanized the process of separating cotton fibers from their seeds. This led southern plantation owners to increase their investment in manual labor and expand their cotton plantations, thereby prolonging the existence of slavery.


Learn more about The significance of the invention of the Cotton Gin in relation to American slavery

User MalditoBarbudo
by
7.5k points