The need to quickly and efficiently remove seeds from cotton fibers inspired Eli Whitney to create the cotton gin. Before the invention of the cotton gin, separating the seeds from the cotton fibers was a long and laborious process performed entirely by hand or using rudimentary tools. It required significant manpower and hindered large-scale cotton production in regions where this crop was abundant. Recognizing the potential economic impact of a mechanized separation method, Whitney became motivated to find a solution.