Final answer:
Eli Whitney is the person most associated with popularizing interchangeable parts in manufacturing, a concept that he implemented in his invention of the cotton gin, thereby revolutionizing mass production techniques.
Step-by-step explanation:
The person most responsible for popularizing interchangeable parts in manufacturing is Eli Whitney. Eli Whitney, born in Massachusetts, invented the cotton gin in the early 19th century, an invention that dramatically speeded up the production of cotton, increasing efficiency. The concept of using replaceable parts, which Whitney implemented in his cotton gin, led to the foundation of modern mass production techniques. This approach allowed for parts to be swiftly swapped out in manufacturing processes, improving speed and reliability.
While other names mentioned, like Frederick Winslow Taylor and Henry Ford, also significantly contributed to the field of manufacturing, they are more renowned for their developments in scientific management and assembly line production, respectively, rather than the specific concept of interchangeable parts.
Learn more about Eli Whitney