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# King Cotton and Economic Growth in Georgia ## Technological Innovation of the Cotton Gin The cotton gin's invention had both intended and unintended consequences for society. Its intended effect was to make cotton processing easier, but it also unintentionally increased the use of enslaved labo...

# King Cotton and Economic Growth in Georgia ## Technological Innovation of the Cotton Gin The cotton gin's invention had both intended and unintended consequences for society. Its intended effect was to make cotton processing easier, but it also unintentionally increased the use of enslaved labor. The machine removed seeds from cotton quickly, reducing the effective range of this crop and changing the history of the South, especially near Savannah. This was aided by a more efficient cotton gin that Eli Whitney invented in 1794. ## Effect of the Cotton Gin The cotton gin rapidly became a crucial tool for farmers. Its greater efficiency encouraged farmers to produce more cotton and larger plantations. This led to a boom in Georgia cotton production, making it a top producer in the world. Unfortunately, it also led to an increased demand for enslaved labor to plant and harvest the cotton crop increasing the slave trade. Eventually, the focus shifted from other crops to growing the cotton crop. **Image Description:** The image includes a historical image of a cotton gin alongside text that describes economic growth and technological innovations in Georgia. The image of a cotton gin shows the complex machinery involved with gears, rollers, and wooden parts, as well as an illustration of a historic cotton gin. The accompanying text describes the significant impact of the cotton gin on Georgia’s economy and its contribution to the boom. There is also a table of dates showing cotton gin production from 1800–1860.