Cotton Gin
A machine that separates cotton fibers from their seeds
Real World Example
The cotton gin, invented by Eli Whitney in 1793, revolutionized the cotton industry by quickly separating cotton fibers from seeds, making cotton production much faster and more efficient. This invention greatly contributed to the growth of the United States' economy, particularly in the South, where cotton became a major cash crop. It played a significant role in the expansion of slavery, as plantation owners demanded more labor to plant and pick the increased cotton supply. Today, the cotton gin represents the power of innovation to transform industries, similar to how modern technology like smartphones and computers streamline tasks and improve productivity. For example, just as the cotton gin made cotton more accessible, smartphones make communication and information more readily available, impacting our daily lives significantly.
