The Invention of the Cotton Gin Harrison Holley & Isabelle Mais

Introduction The Cotton Gin was a contributor to the Civil War The Cotton Gin made the economy better in the South Increased slavery use

Background of Eli Whitney Born in 1765 on a Farm in Massachusetts Showed interest in mechanics at a young age Started by making ladie’s hatpins and canes

Background of Eli Whitney Studied at Yale Looking for a job and ended up in the South Ended up staying on Catherine Greene’s farm In Savannah Georgia

Cotton Long staple cotton Coast Short staple cotton Hard sticking green balls

Why it was Invented 1 pound a day Less man labor Catherine Greene helped design/finance the Cotton Gin Never got credit because she was a woman

The Cotton Gin Description of cotton gin How worked Sizes

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Patent Infringement Act Eli Whitney did not get credit or money for inventing the Cotton Gin Farmers used his idea to make their own Cotton Gins Loophole in patent act

Eli Whitney’s Military Contract First to come up with Interchangeable Parts Identical parts for objects that can be assembled and repaired faster Military contracted Whitney to make muskets for him Took the contract to redeem himself from the Cotton Gin failure Created assembly lines

Last Years Married Elizabeth Fay Had four kids Died in 1825 Age: 59 Eli Whitney Jr. inherited the assembly line plants

Immediate Effects on the Civil War Giant boost in cotton export Boost in economy in the South

Long Term Effects on the Civil War Farmers needed more slaves Giant jump in exports particularly cotton Need to expand For more farming land

Conclusion The Cotton Gin: Increased economy in the South Increased the need for slaves Was a contributor to the Civil War

Works Cited “Cotton Gin and Eli Whitney.” History.com. A&E Television Networks. Web. 04 September 2014. “Eli Whitney.” Encyclopedia of World Biography. 2004. Enclyclopedia.com. 04 September 2014. “Eli Whitney.” PBS. PBS. Web. 05 September 2014. “Eli Whitney the Inventor of the Cotton Gin.” Heritage History. Heritage History, 2013. Web. 06 September 2014. “How Products are Made.” Eli Whitney Biography (1765-1825). Advameg Inc. Web. 04 September 2014.