Which agricultural invention did Cyrus McCormick create?

Cyrus McCormick is renowned for creating the mechanical reaper, an invention that revolutionized agriculture in the 19th century. The mechanical reaper allowed farmers to harvest crops like wheat much more efficiently than by hand, significantly increasing productivity and reducing the labor needed for harvesting. This innovation played a critical role in the expansion of agriculture in the United States, facilitating the growth of larger farms and contributing to the agricultural surplus that supported urbanization and industrialization.

The mechanical reaper's impact on farming practices helped transform the agricultural landscape, enabling farmers to manage larger areas of land with less human effort. This was particularly significant during a time when the population was growing and the demand for food was increasing. The reaper not only improved efficiency but also helped to lower costs and increase profits for farmers, leading to an overall enhancement of the agricultural economy.

Other inventions listed, such as the plow and seed drill, while important in their own right, do not compare to the specific advancements and broad efficiencies introduced by McCormick's mechanical reaper.