Eli Whitney
Definition
Eli Whitney was an American inventor best known for inventing the cotton gin. His invention greatly increased the efficiency of cotton harvesting and contributed to the economic development of Southern states.
Analogy
Think of Eli Whitney as a chef who invented a new kitchen gadget that revolutionizes cooking - like a blender or food processor. Just as these tools make cooking faster and easier, Whitney's cotton gin made processing cotton much more efficient.
Related terms
Interchangeable Parts: This is another significant contribution by Eli Whitney. He proposed making standardized parts that could be used interchangeably in machinery repair – this concept played a crucial role in industrialization.
Patent Law: After inventing his cotton gin, Whitney faced many legal battles over patent rights. These experiences highlight early issues with U.S patent law enforcement.
Southern Economy: As mentioned earlier, Whitney's invention significantly impacted Southern economy by making cotton farming more profitable thus intensifying reliance on slave labor.
"Eli Whitney" appears in:
Subjects (2)
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (2)
- What was one impact of the Cotton Gin invented by Eli Whitney on Southern economy?
- How might America's agricultural industry be different if Eli Whitney had not invented the cotton gin?
Resources
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