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How inventions change history (for better and for worse) - Kenneth C. Davis

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Invented in 1793, the cotton gin changed history for good and bad. By allowing one field hand to do the work of 10, it powered a new industry that brought wealth and power to the American South -- but, tragically, it also multiplied and prolonged the use of slave labor. Kenneth C. Davis lauds innovation, while warning us of unintended consequences.


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Additional Resources for you to Explore
Eli Whitney Museum and Workshop
http://www.eliwhitney.org/
Smithsonian Museum: Exhibit of American Inventors and Inventions
http://www.150.si.edu/150trav/remember/amerinv.htm
National Museum of American History: Industry and Manufacturing
http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/subject_detail.cfm?key=32&colkey=20
You can learn more about slavery and its impact on American history, the presidency, and the Civil War in these books by Kenneth C. Davis:
1) http://dontknowmuch.com/books/dont-know-much-about-the-american-presidents/
2) http://dontknowmuch.com/books/dont-know-much-about-history/
3) http://dontknowmuch.com/books/dont-know-much-about-the-civil-war/
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