questions

Why had slavery been on the decline before the invention of the cotton gin? How did slavery change as a result of the cotton gin?

After the American Revolution, the demand and the prices of slaves went down. As seeds needed to be removed from cotton fibers, the demand for slave labor increased.

c. Elaborate Why do you think that discrimination against free African Americans was harsher in the South than in the North?

Because their was no real need for slaves in the north or if there was not as much

Describe How did the cotton gin make processing cotton easier?

It seperated the seeds from cotton fibers which resulted in increase in cotton production in the South.

2. a. Identify What areas of the United States made up the cotton belt?

Southeastern US, throughout the south and as far east as Texas.

c. Predict How might the rise of cotton production and slavery affect Southern society?

The cotton gin made cotton so profitable that southern farmers abandoned other crops in favor of growing cotton.

Do you think the South should have paid more attention to its industrial growth? Why?

Yes. The increase of cotton trade led to the growth of major port cities in the South.

Make Inferences Why were some southern leaders worried about the South's reliance on cotton?

because that was their main source of income

b. Analyze Why did many white southerners fear free African Americans?

because they thought that they would rise up against them and free their slaves

Which southern social class do you think had the most difficult life? Why?

the workers because they had to work with the slaves

In what ways were southern cities similar to northern cities?

they all have social classes

Describe What jobs were available to free African Americans in the South? Why were these jobs the only ones available?

Not many but only their old jobs for a very low pay.