Eli Whitney (invented the cotton gin)

Eli Whitney was an American inventor best known for creating the cotton gin in 1793. The cotton gin is a machine that quickly and efficiently separates cotton fibers from their seeds, a process that was previously very labor-intensive. This invention dramatically increased cotton production in the United States, boosting the economy but also leading to greater reliance on slave labor. Whitney also contributed to the development of interchangeable parts in manufacturing, helping lay the groundwork for modern industrial production techniques. His work significantly impacted agriculture and industry, shaping economic and social changes in 19th-century America.