Who invented the cotton gin, a significant innovation for the cotton industry?

Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin in 1793, a revolutionary device that mechanized the process of separating cotton fibers from their seeds. This innovation drastically increased the efficiency of cotton processing, which was crucial for the rapid growth of the cotton industry in the United States. Before the cotton gin, separating seeds from cotton was a labor-intensive task, which limited the production and profitability of cotton farming. With Whitney's invention, a small number of workers could process much larger quantities of cotton, leading to the expansion of cotton plantations and the economic boom of the Southern states.

The other individuals listed did contribute significantly to agricultural advancements but in different areas. Gustavus Swift is known for his innovations in the meatpacking industry, particularly related to refrigeration. George Washington Carver made substantial contributions to crop rotation and agricultural education, primarily focusing on peanut and sweet potato cultivation. John Deere is recognized for inventing the steel plow, which improved tilling soil for farming. Their contributions, while impactful in agriculture, do not relate to the invention of the cotton gin or the specific changes it brought to the cotton industry.