cotton gin
by: john gennusa
who invented the cotton gin?
Eli Whitney (December 8, 1765 – January 8, 1825) was an American inventor best known for inventing the cotton gin. This was one of the key inventions of the industrial revolution and shaped the economy of the antebellum south. Whitney's invention made upland short cotton into a profitable crop, which strengthened the economic foundation of slavery in the united states. Despite the social and economic impact of his invention, Whitney lost many profits in legal battles over patent infringement for the cotton gin. Thereafter, he turned his attention into securing contracts with the government in the manufacture of muskets for the newly formed continental army. He continued making arms and inventing until his death in 1825.
what is a cotton gin?
A cotton gin is a machine that quickly and easily separates cotton fibers from their seeds, allowing for much greater productivity than manual cotton separation.The fibers are processed into clothing or other cotton goods, and any undamaged seeds may be used to grow more cotton or to produce cotton seed oil and meal.