Which machine, invented in 1793 by Eli Whitney, quickly removed seeds from cotton fibers?

• A. Immigrant
• B. Nativism
• C. The Cotton Gin
• D. Railroad

Answer: (C)

The question is asking about a device specifically designed to separate cotton fibers from their seeds, and why that invention mattered. The cotton gin fits perfectly: invented by Eli Whitney in 1793, it rapidly removes seeds from cotton fibers, a task that used to take very long by hand. By mechanizing this step, cotton processing became much faster, boosting cotton production in the United States and shaping the Southern economy.

The machine works by using a rotating mechanism with teeth or blades that pull seeds out of the cotton lint as the fibers pass through, leaving the usable cotton behind. This clear function is why it’s the best answer for what quickly removes seeds from cotton fibers.

Other options don’t describe a device for processing cotton. Immigrant refers to a person who moves from one country to another; nativism is a belief about native-born rights; a railroad is a transportation system.