Cyrus McCormick
A businessman and inventor of the mechanical reaper
Real World Example
Cyrus McCormick was an American inventor known for creating the mechanical reaper in the 1830s, which revolutionized farming by making it easier and faster to harvest crops. His invention significantly increased agricultural productivity, allowing farmers to cultivate larger areas and support the growing population, contributing to the expansion of the United States during the period known as "The Nation Grows." McCormick's work helped transform agriculture from a labor-intensive activity to a more efficient, mechanized industry, laying the groundwork for modern farming techniques. Today, his legacy lives on in the advanced machinery used in agriculture, like modern combine harvesters, which continue to improve food production efficiency. For example, when people see large tractors in fields, they are witnessing innovations that trace back to McCormick's pioneering spirit and determination to improve farming practices.
