The cotton gin was created to help speed up production of cotton. They made it easy to pick the cotton away from its branches ( i guess thats what you call it) and was able to do it faster and in large quantities, which was hoped to be used to end slavery. However, slavery was increased, for then southerners could be able to grow more cotton for more profit. In fact, slave population increased.
It influenced US imperialism grandly. The novel was a prime motivator towards the US's rapid naval growth and renewed foreign policy, and inspired an international naval race.
