c) Mechanical reaper

Cyrus McCormick’s invention of the mechanical reaper in 1831 significantly advanced agriculture and farming in the American West. This groundbreaking machine revolutionized grain harvesting, making it more efficient and less labor-intensive. McCormick’s reaper enabled farmers to harvest larger areas faster, greatly contributing to the agricultural productivity of the United States. This innovation played a key role in the agricultural development of the West, facilitating the expansion of farming in the region and supporting the growth of the American economy during this period.