How did the cotton gin affect both small upcountry farmers and large lowcountry farmers? question 1 options: small upcountry farmers had little money to purchase slaves to operate the cotton gin, leaving the industry to the lowcountry farmers. the two regions became more similar, as upcountry farmers obtained wealth and status by investing in cotton and slaves. it led to a decrease in the number of slaves farmers needed, allowing upcountry farmers to compete with those in the lowcountry. the cotton gin sparked a desire for industry in south carolina, endangering the livelihoods of both upcountry and lowcountry farmers.