In what year did Eli Whitney invent the cotton gin?

Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin in 1793, a significant innovation that revolutionized the cotton industry in the United States. This machine dramatically increased the efficiency of cotton processing by quickly separating the cotton fibers from the seeds, which had traditionally been done by hand. As a result, the cotton gin contributed to the expansion of cotton farming, particularly in the southern states, making cotton one of the leading cash crops. Whitney's invention played a critical role in the acceleration of the agricultural economy and had lasting impacts on both the economy and the social dynamics of the country.