The Cotton Gin: An Infamous Invention

The video discusses the invention of the cotton gin by Eli Whitney in 1793, which revolutionized cotton processing by automating the separation of fibers from seeds. This invention significantly boosted cotton production and contributed to the American Industrial Revolution. However, it also increased the demand for slave labor, as farmers expanded cotton cultivation. Despite its impact, Whitney did not profit from his invention, and the cotton gin's legacy is complex, with both positive and negative effects on American history.

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