The invention of the cotton gin in 1793 dramatically increased cotton processing speed—a single machine could do the work of fifty people. Paradoxically, this labor-saving invention led to a massive expansion of slavery in the American South. More efficient processing made cotton more profitable, driving demand for more laborers to plant and harvest the crop.
The passage suggests that
the cotton gin immediately ended the practice of slavery
labor-saving technology always reduces the need for workers
cotton was not profitable before the cotton gin
technological innovations can have unintended social consequences
Correct Answer: D
Choice D is the best answer. The labor-saving device paradoxically increased labor demand.
- Context clues: A labor-saving invention led to "massive expansion of slavery"—the opposite of expected.
- Meaning: The unintended consequence shows technology's effects are often unpredictable.
- Verify: "Paradoxically" explicitly signals the unexpected outcome.
💡 Strategy: When a passage describes paradoxical or unexpected outcomes, infer lessons about unintended consequences.
Choice A is incorrect because slavery expanded, not ended. Choice B is incorrect because this case showed the opposite. Choice C is incorrect because increased profitability doesn't mean it was unprofitable before.