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.

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.