Eli Whitney spent time and energy
promoting the american system of manufacturing.
The idea migrated from the armories to industry
as machinists trained in the armory system
were hired by other manufacturers.
Manufacturers thus influenced included
American clockmakers,
the Singer Corporation sewing machine manufacturer,
and McCormick Harvesting Machine Company,
as well as locomotive and bicycle makers.
The idea would also help lead
to the American 'Golden Age' of manufacturing
when Henry Ford mass produced the automobile.
Mastering true interchangeability
on the assembly line,
the Ford plant produced standard model cars.
These efficient production strategies
allowed these automobiles
to be affordable for the middle class.