Final project

The period after which America gained independence in 1776 up to 1860 is considered as the new nation. During these times, the economy of the United States relied heavily on agriculture. With the introduction of the steamboats and canal building, more areas for agriculture were being founded and farming became expansive. There was production of crops such as rice, cotton, tobacco, among others, which were sold in the local markets and promoted local economy. After independence, farmers concentrated more in increasing their output although there were many challenges such as lack of mechanization, losses during adverse climate, and lack of market to some of their produce. Even with these challenges, this period marked a great milestone in setting the pace for the improvement of America`s economy.

One of the major challenges during agriculture was in the production of cotton. Even though the climate and other factors favored growing of cotton, there was one major problem: separating cotton seeds from fiber. The demand for cotton was growing and even though the cotton plant was being grown widely, the supply could not meet the demand due to the slow process of separating the seed from the fiber. The discovery of the cotton gin in 1794 by Eli Whitney was a major milestone in the production of cotton that increased the production and became a major export of the United States. Notably, the discovery of the cotton gin led to increased demand, which also led to the increase in demand for labor to more production of cotton. As a matter of fact, the discovery of the cotton gin led to a situation that favored slavery due to the increased wealth of the farmers in the south due to the sale of more cotton. The cotton gin did not therefore lead to more production of cotton but also other social issues of interest that have helped shape the United States.

In the larger study of history, it is important to understand how the America`s economy came into being one of the best even when Europe had much influence across the world in the past. Learning about the cotton gin helps us understand how the United States was in a position to position itself in becoming a superpower and taking over the second industrial revolution. The discovery of the cotton gin had ripple effects to the economy and to the society at large, all of which have helped shape United States history.

Outline

Introduction

The cotton gin was invented by Eli Whitney in 1794 and helped in speeding the process of separating the seeds from the fiber. The discovery of the cotton gin helped spearhead economic production and fueled the second industrial revolution, which contributed to the United States becoming a superpower.

1. After gaining independence, the United States decided to focus more on economic production

· The period after which America gained independence in 1776 up to 1860 is considered as the new nation.

· The new nation created a new front for economic production in the United States

2. The agriculture industry was becoming more popular as the main economic activity

· There was increase in production of rice, tobacco, corn, and cotton for local consumption

The demand for more agricultural produce was a major concern among farmers

3. The discovery of the cotton gin was a game changer in the agriculture industry

· History of Eli Whitney

· Factors that led to the discovery of the cotton gin

4. The cotton gin increased the production of cotton, which was in high demand across Europe

· More farmers were becoming wealthy

· The demand for labor increased slavery

 Conclusion

· The discovery of the cotton gin helped spearhead economic production and fueled the second industrial revolution, which contributed to the United States becoming a superpower.

References

Ashworth, W. J. (2017). The industrial revolution: The state, knowledge and global trade. Bloomsbury Publishing.

Beckert, S. (2015). Empire of cotton: A global history. Vintage.

Gold, H. (2018). Panel Introduction: Labor, Industry, and Technology. Studies in Eighteenth-Century Culture, 47(47), 29-32.

Hanlon, W. W. (2015). Necessity is the mother of invention: Input supplies and Directed Technical Change. Econometrica, 83(1), 67-100.

Shi, D. E., & Tindall, G. B. (2016). America: A narrative history. WW Norton & Company.