Question

8. Why did Memphis become a center for the cotton industry and the slave trade? (choose two)
A. West Tennessee was the richest cotton-producing region in the state.
B. Yeoman farmers in Middle Tennessee produced a lot of cotton.
C. Plantation owners in East Tennessee produced cotton without having to use a
cotton gin
D. Memphis had a large textile manufacturing industry.
E. Memphis was located on the Mississippi River.

Answer 1

Answer:

• A. West Tennessee was the richest cotton-producing region in the state.  
• E. Memphis was located on the Mississippi River.

Explanation:

Memphis is located in the western area of Tennessee where due to very fertile soil, a high grade of cotton could be produced. This allowed for large plantations around Memphis that saw the city rise in statue as cotton was traded in it.

Memphis was also located on the Mississippi river which meant that it had transport facilities both for the cotton that was being farmed and the enslaved people that were being brought to farm them.