1. The Cotton Gin
The cotton gin, invented by Eli Whitney, revolutionized the cotton picking industry throughout the United States. Prior to the invention of the cotton gin, cotton was to be picked by hand, which was a very time consuming and tedious task. However, when the cotton gin came along, cotton was to be picked at a rate of 50 pounds a day, and was able to sort the seeds and cotton automatically. This made the amount of cotton produced go up, which then in result allowed the South's economy to increase. Though it seems like 'old technology', the cotton gin impacted America in many ways. The main impact it had was that from then on, no one had to manually pick cotton anymore, and many additions onto the cotton gin made it even easier. Without the cotton gin, we may not have the cotton picking technology that we do today. *1
2. The First Dependable Steam Engine
In the second half of the 18th centaury, and Scottish inventor by the name of James Watt invented the first fully reliable steam engine. The steam engine made transportation much easier, and more importantly, it increased trade. Then as a result of increased trade, the economy boosted to levels that America had ever seen. The steam engine is still a reliable piece of technology used in today's world. For example, steam engines are still used today to help and run nuclear power plants. Also, the steam engine is a very convenient source of energy, so by using it we don't have to waste any materials, or burn anything that may release gases that effect the environment. *2
3. The Sewing Machine
In 1834, the first somewhat successful sewing machine was introduced to America, thanks to Walter Hunt. However, the first sewing machine patented issued in America went to Elias Howe. The sewing machine was very convenient, yet it didn't gain much popularity among the common folk. However, it did stir up much commotion between inventors, specifically Isac Singer. The sewing machine has affected America in many ways, including the obvious effect of producing more cloths in a shorter period of time. Cloths and marketing is a big part of today's economy, so without the invention of the sewing machine, we would not be thriving as much as we currently are. *3