Answer and Explanation:
The direct benefit of the invention of the cotton gin is increased production.
The cotton gin, invented by Eli Whitney in the late 18th century, revolutionized the cotton industry by mechanizing the process of separating cotton fibers from the seeds. Before the cotton gin, this task was labor-intensive and time-consuming, as it had to be done by hand. With the cotton gin, the process became much more efficient and could be done at a much faster rate.
By automating the process of separating cotton fibers from the seeds, the cotton gin greatly increased the production of cotton. This led to a significant expansion of cotton cultivation and the cotton industry. With the cotton gin, farmers and plantation owners were able to process larger quantities of cotton in less time, resulting in increased output.
As a result, the invention of the cotton gin played a crucial role in the growth of the cotton industry and had a significant impact on the economy of the southern United States during the 19th century. The increased production of cotton also contributed to the rise of the textile industry and had implications for international trade.
In summary, the direct benefit of the invention of the cotton gin was increased production, which had a profound impact on the cotton industry and the economy.