Which invention greatly enhanced the efficiency of cotton processing?

The cotton gin is the invention that significantly improved the efficiency of cotton processing. Invented by Eli Whitney in 1793, the cotton gin mechanized the labor-intensive process of separating cotton fibers from their seeds. Prior to this invention, this task was done manually and was incredibly time-consuming, limiting the amount of cotton that could be processed and produced.

With the cotton gin, a small amount of labor could yield a much larger amount of clean cotton, which directly impacted the cotton industry, increasing productivity and making cotton a more profitable crop. This enhanced efficiency contributed to the expansion of the cotton industry in the Southern United States, ultimately playing a crucial role in the economic landscape of the time and supporting the growth of textile manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution.

The other inventions listed served different purposes and did not directly enhance cotton processing. The steam engine transformed transportation and industries by providing an efficient power source, while the telegraph revolutionized communication. The television later emerged as a means of entertainment and media, unrelated to cotton production. Therefore, the cotton gin stands out as the key invention specifically aimed at improving the cotton processing workflow.