The Cotton Gin

The cotton gin is a mechanical device invented by Eli Whitney in 1793 that revolutionized the cotton industry. It efficiently separated cotton fibers from their seeds, a process that was previously labor-intensive and time-consuming. By automating this task, the cotton gin significantly increased cotton production, making it easier and cheaper to process. This innovation contributed to the expansion of cotton farming, particularly in the Southern United States, and had profound economic impacts, driving the growth of the textile industry and reinforcing the institution of slavery in the region due to increased demand for labor.