Eli Whitney (December 8, 1765 – January 8, 1825) is an American inventor best known for inventing the cotton gin.

This is one of the key inventions of the Industrial Revolution and shapes the economy of the Antebellum South.

Whitney's invention makes upland short cotton into a profitable crop, which strengthens the economic foundation of slavery in the United States (regardless of whether Whitney had intended that or not).

Despite the social and economic impact of his invention, Whitney loses many profits in legal battles over patent infringement for the cotton gin.

Thereafter, he turns his attention into securing contracts with the government in the manufacture of muskets for the newly formed continental army.

He continues making arms and inventing until his death in 1825.