Final answer:
Eli Whitney's interchangeable parts led to standardization and efficiency in manufacturing, transforming labor and influencing numerous industries beyond firearms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Eli Whitney introduced interchangeable parts in the manufacture of muskets. One effect of his innovation was that the use of interchangeable parts was applied to other industries. This allowed for mass production and standardization, leading to more efficient manufacturing processes. Whitney’s innovation also meant that workers did not need to be as highly skilled, since parts could be easily replaced and assembled, thus transforming the nature of labor in factories. The interchangeable parts model became a cornerstone for what we now consider assembly line production, dramatically impacting the Industrial Revolution.