How did Eli Whitney contribute the westward expansion?

Eli Whitney contributed to westward expansion primarily through his invention of the cotton gin in 1793, which significantly increased the efficiency of cotton processing. This invention made cotton farming more profitable and led to a surge in plantation agriculture in the Deep South, encouraging more settlers to move westward in search of land for cotton cultivation. Additionally, Whitney's promotion of interchangeable parts in manufacturing helped to spur industrial growth, which supported the expansion and development of infrastructure necessary for westward migration.