* Invented by Cyrus McCormick in 1831, the McCormick reaper revolutionized the way farmers harvested wheat.
* Before the reaper, farmers had to cut wheat by hand, which was a slow and labor-intensive process.
* The reaper could cut wheat much faster and easier, allowing farmers to harvest more wheat with less labor.
Cotton Gin
* Invented by Eli Whitney in 1793, the cotton gin revolutionized the way cotton was processed.
* Before the cotton gin, cotton had to be ginned by hand, which was a slow and labor-intensive process.
* The cotton gin could gin cotton much faster and easier, allowing farmers to produce more cotton with less labor.
Changes in America
The McCormick reaper and the cotton gin had a profound impact on American society and economy.
* The reaper and the cotton gin made it possible for farmers to produce more crops with less labor, which led to increased agricultural productivity.
* This increased productivity led to lower food prices, which benefited consumers.
* The reaper and the cotton gin also helped to free up labor from the farm, which allowed people to move to cities and work in factories and other industries.
* This shift in the labor force contributed to the growth of American cities and the development of the American industrial economy.