Who invented over 300 products from the peanut?

• A. Dr. George Washington Carver
• B. Booker T. Washington
• C. W.E.B. Du Bois
• D. Hiram Abif

Answer: (A)

The correct answer is Dr. George Washington Carver, who is celebrated for his innovative work with peanuts and various agricultural practices. Carver developed over 300 products derived from the peanut, including food items, dyes, plastics, and gasoline. His work not only provided economic opportunities for farmers, particularly those in the South who were largely dependent on cotton, but it also promoted crop diversification and sustainable farming practices.

Carver's research helped to revitalize the agriculture of the South after the devastation of soil depletion due to the Cotton Kingdom's reliance on a single crop. He encouraged farmers to rotate their crops, planting peanuts and sweet potatoes, which in turn could restore nitrogen back into the soil. This significant contribution to agriculture exemplifies his genius and commitment to improving the livelihoods of struggling farmers, as well as encouraging scientific innovation in product development.

While the other figures listed in the choices made substantial contributions to African American history and culture, their associations are different. Booker T. Washington was an educator and advocate for vocational training for African Americans. W.E.B. Du Bois was a prominent civil rights leader and co-founder of the NAACP, focusing on social justice and education. Hiram Abif is a figure in Masonic tradition, not directly associated with the