Question

Which statement BEST explains how the cotton gin and the expansion of railroads impacted Georgia’s growth in the 1800s?





a
Cotton gin production increased, but the lack of transportation prevented Georgia’s cities from growing.
b
The cotton gin increased cotton production, and railroads helped move that cotton, together fueling economic and population growth.
c
Railroads were Georgia’s main source of economic growth, while the cotton gin had little effect on the state.
d
Both the cotton gin and railroad systems made cotton less profitable, reducing Georgia’s economic importance.

Answer 1

b

The cotton gin made processing short-staple cotton much faster, greatly increasing cotton production. The expanding railroad network moved cotton and other goods to markets and ports more efficiently, together driving economic development and population growth in Georgia.