Question

Invented by Eli Whitney in 1793, in Georgia. Removed seeds more easily than by hand alone. Increased daily production rates from one pound per day, per worker, to as much as 50 pounds per day, per worker. These statements are describing the:

a. Cotton gin
b. Grist mill
c. John Deere plow
d. McCormick reaper

Answer 1

The statements provided describe the cotton gin, invented by Eli Whitney, which increased cotton processing rates dramatically from one to 50 pounds per day, per worker. Whitney also faced issues protecting his patent in the South and was influential for introducing interchangeable parts in manufacturing. Hence, the correct answer is option (a).

Step-by-step explanation:

Invented by Eli Whitney in 1793, the device that significantly increased the efficiency of cotton processing by turning raw cotton into clean fibers is the cotton gin. This invention revolutionized the cotton industry by increasing the cotton cleaning process from one pound per day, per worker, to as much as 50 pounds a day. Not only did the cotton gin enhance production rates, but it also had a profound impact on the South's economy and the institution of slavery.

Despite Eli Whitney's original hope that the cotton gin would help make slavery obsolete, the increased efficiency in cotton production actually resulted in a greater demand for slave labor to plant and harvest the cotton.

Additionally, Whitney's pursuit of upholding his patent rights for the cotton gin was challenging as courts in southern states were reluctant to support his claims, leading to widespread unauthorized use of his design.