Skip to main content

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

805,141 Views

43,658 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

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.

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/

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

More from Inventions that Shape History