What was the purpose of the cotton gin, and why did it revolutionize the Southern economy?

The cotton gin, invented by Eli Whitney in 1794, automated the process of separating cotton fibers from seeds. This increased efficiency and productivity, transforming the Southern economy. Cotton became a dominant crop, fueling economic growth throughout the region. The Deep South played a major role in the global cotton market, with cotton exports becoming a vital source of revenue. Before the cotton gin, separating cotton fibers from seeds was labor-intensive and unprofitable. Whitney’s invention made processing cotton easier, resulting in greater availability and cheaper cloth