Which is the most likely cause of the spike in cotton production in Mississippi in the mid-1800s shown on the chart?

Responses

the growth in demand for cotton in the North and Europe
the growth in demand for cotton in the North and Europe - no response given

the introduction of new irrigation methods to the region
the introduction of new irrigation methods to the region - no response given

the invention of the cotton gin
the invention of the cotton gin - no response given

the increase in number of immigrant-owned farms

1 answer

The most likely cause of the spike in cotton production in Mississippi in the mid-1800s is the invention of the cotton gin. The cotton gin, invented by Eli Whitney in 1793, significantly increased the efficiency of cotton processing, allowing for much faster and easier separation of cotton fibers from seeds. This technological advancement played a crucial role in boosting cotton production across the Southern United States, including Mississippi, as it made large-scale cotton farming more economically viable.