In what year was the cotton gin invented?

The cotton gin was invented in 1793 by Eli Whitney, a significant innovation that revolutionized the cotton industry in the United States. The machine was designed to efficiently remove seeds from cotton fibers, a labor-intensive task when done by hand. Prior to the invention of the cotton gin, creating cotton products required considerable time and effort. By mechanizing this process, the cotton gin drastically increased the speed at which cotton could be processed, leading to a boom in cotton production and making it a cash crop in the Southern states.

Whitney's invention not only transformed agriculture but also had broader economic implications, stimulating the economy and contributing to the growth of the textile industry. The timing of the invention in 1793 is crucial, as it marks the beginning of a significant period of agricultural development and industrialization in the United States. The other years presented do not align with the historical record of the cotton gin's invention, making 1793 the correct answer.