Eli Whitney

Transformed manufacturing with the cotton gin and interchangeable parts

Eli Whitney (1765–1825) was an American inventor whose innovations reshaped agriculture and industry. His cotton gin (1793) revolutionized cotton processing, boosting U.S. economic growth but inadvertently entrenching slavery. Later, Whitney pioneered interchangeable parts manufacturing while producing muskets, a concept that became foundational for the Industrial Revolution.

Whitney's work demonstrated the power of standardization. By creating identical components, he reduced reliance on skilled artisans and enabled mass production. This approach influenced industries from automobiles to electronics, as seen in Henry Ford's assembly lines.

Despite legal battles over patent rights, Whitney's legacy endures in modern manufacturing and mechanical engineering curricula worldwide.