The historical period known for the implementation of the cotton gin is the early 19th century, particularly during the Industrial Revolution. Invented by Eli Whitney in 1793, the cotton gin revolutionized the processing of cotton by quickly separating the fibers from the seeds, significantly increasing production efficiency. This innovation boosted the cotton industry, particularly in the southern United States, leading to a dramatic expansion of cotton plantations and, consequently, the demand for slave labor. The cotton gin's impact shaped the economy and social fabric of the South, ultimately contributing to tensions that would culminate in the American Civil War.