Which of the following best describes the impact of the Cotton Gin introduced by Eli Whitney?

The choice highlighting that the Cotton Gin increased cotton production and reliance on slavery accurately reflects the historical significance of Eli Whitney's invention. Introduced in 1793, the Cotton Gin revolutionized the cotton industry by efficiently separating cotton fibers from seeds. This innovation dramatically increased the speed at which cotton could be processed, leading to a substantial rise in cotton production throughout the Southern United States.

As the demand for cotton surged, driven partly by the Industrial Revolution and the growing textile industry in the North and in Europe, planters required more labor to cultivate and harvest the increased amounts of cotton. This demand directly led to a more entrenched system of slavery, as plantation owners turned to enslaved labor to meet their production needs. The rise of cotton as a cash crop not only bolstered the Southern economy but also exacerbated the economic and social reliance on slavery, which became central to the region's agricultural practices.

The other options do not accurately encompass the full impact of the Cotton Gin. It did not reduce the need for cotton production; rather, it significantly increased it. While there may have been some opposition from certain quarters regarding the institution of slavery, the predominant response from Southern plantation owners was one of enthusiasm as they capitalized on the profitable cotton trade. Lastly,