Eli Whitney, invetor of the Cotton Gin.

Eli Whitney was one of the most influential industrialists and one of the greatest pioneers of the Industrial Revolution in early American history. He lived in the south for only a few years, yet, during this time, he created an invention that would revolutionize the agricultural industry. The creation of the cotton gin, an machine that could pick the seeds out of cotton, breathed new life into the dying southern economy. Whitney was driven to …

…effectiveness of the gin allowed farmers to keep slaves and stabilize the southern economy. Whitney endured years of hardship as he battled the courts to recognize the gin as his invention. After his battles, he moved to the north where he was able to secure a military contract with the US government. His concept of interchangeable parts would be the foundation of mass production possible and lay the groundwork for the prosperity of future industrialists.