<ul><li>The invention of the cotton gin by Eli Whitney in the late 18th century revolutionized agriculture and society.</li><li>Before the cotton gin, cotton processing was labor-intensive, but the machine automated this task, increasing efficiency significantly.</li><li>The cotton gin led to an agricultural explosion in the American South, making cotton the dominant crop and boosting the economy.</li><li>Despite its economic benefits, the cotton gin also increased the demand for enslaved labor, showcasing the complex consequences of technological advancements.</li></ul>

The Cotton Gin: Transforming Agriculture Forever

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