What significant change was brought about by McCormick's Reaper?

The introduction of McCormick's Reaper was a transformative event in agricultural technology that significantly enhanced grain harvesting efficiency. This machine mechanized the process of cutting and gathering crops, which allowed farmers to harvest large fields of grain much more quickly than it could be done by hand. As a result, the overall productivity of farms improved, enabling farmers to cultivate larger areas and produce greater quantities of grain.

Prior to the invention of the reaper, harvesting was labor-intensive and time-consuming, relying heavily on manual labor. McCormick's innovative design not only sped up this process but also laid the groundwork for future advancements in agricultural machinery. The increased efficiency contributed to agricultural surpluses, impacting food supply and rural economies as well.

In contrast to other responses, McCormick’s Reaper did not decrease agricultural production; rather, it enhanced it. While its introduction did reduce the need for some skilled labor by making the harvesting process more accessible to unskilled laborers, the primary significance of the invention lies in its efficiency gains. Similarly, the invention did not directly lower transportation costs, as those costs are influenced by a variety of factors such as infrastructure and economics unrelated to the reaper itself.