When was the cotton gin invented?

Study for the CLEP US History 1 Test. Immerse in flashcards and multiple choice questions, each complete with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The cotton gin was invented in 1793 by Eli Whitney. This invention significantly changed the cotton industry and had profound economic and social effects in the United States, particularly in the South. The cotton gin mechanized the process of separating cotton fibers from their seeds, making it much faster and more efficient than manual methods. This innovation led to an increase in cotton production, which in turn fueled the demand for slave labor on plantations, thereby entrenching the institution of slavery in the Southern economy. Whitney's invention is often heralded as a key factor in the expansion of cotton cultivation in the Deep South and played a crucial role in shaping the agricultural landscape of America during that time.

The dates associated with the other options do not correspond to the accurate timeline of the cotton gin's invention, further supporting that 1793 is indeed the correct year.

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