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TED-Ed

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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Meet The Creators

Educator
Kenneth C. Davis
Producer
Sunni Brown
Narrator
Kenneth C. Davis

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