Eli Whitney

Eli Whitney was an American inventor best known for creating the cotton gin in 1793, a machine that efficiently separated cotton fibers from seeds. This invention revolutionized the cotton industry by greatly speeding up production, which in turn increased the demand for slave labor in the Southern United States. Additionally, Whitney is credited with promoting the concept of interchangeable parts in manufacturing, which laid the groundwork for modern mass production. His contributions significantly impacted both agriculture and industry in America, making him a key figure in the country’s economic development during the 19th century.