During the industrial revolution, how did innovations in technology affect the use of enslaved workers in the united states? innovations in agricultural technology increased cotton production, meaning southern plantations needed more enslaved workers. innovations in agricultural technology meant that fewer workers were needed on southern plantations, decreasing demand for enslaved workers. innovations in manufacturing technology increased production in southern factories, resulting in immigrants working alongside enslaved workers. innovations in manufacturing technology raised the output of industry in the north, resulting in an increased use of enslaved workers.