The Cotton Gin (Eli Whitney)

The cotton gin, invented by Eli Whitney in 1793, is a machine that quickly separates cotton fibers from seeds. Before its invention, this process was slow and labor-intensive, often done by hand. The gin significantly increased cotton production efficiency, making it easier and cheaper to process. This innovation contributed to the booming cotton industry in the United States, which played a crucial role in the economy and the expansion of slavery, as plantations required more labor to meet increased demand. Whitney's invention transformed agriculture and had lasting impacts on American society and the economy.