You've read lots of articles about people who have changed the world: Thomas Alva Edison, Maria Mitchell, Vera Rubin, scientists exploring selective breeding, and scientists exploring marine mammals. Now meet Eli Whitney, a young man who invented the cotton gin. As you read Eli's letter explaining the cotton gin to his father, think about what changes his invention created. "Inventing the Cotton Gin" is linked to the book icon on your right.

Question:

Which statement is the most important conclusion that may be drawn from the selection?

Whitney wanted his invention to make him lots of money.

Whitney's cotton gin dramatically changed the production of cotton, and changed the lives of his countrymen.

Whitney's father thought he should never have quit his schooling.

The cotton gin was only the first of many inventions Whitney created in his lifetime.