* To improve the efficiency of cotton ginning. Whitney's primary goal was to create a machine that could quickly and easily remove the seeds from cotton fibers. This would significantly reduce the amount of time and labor required to process cotton, and thus make it a more profitable crop for farmers.
* To help the Southern economy. By making cotton ginning more efficient, Whitney hoped to boost the Southern economy, which was heavily dependent on cotton. He believed that his invention would make cotton growing more profitable, and thus lead to increased wealth and prosperity for the region.
* To become a successful inventor. Whitney had a strong desire to succeed as an inventor, and he saw the cotton gin as his chance to make a name for himself. He was confident that his invention would be a success, and he was determined to see it through to fruition.