Who is credited with inventing the shoe making machine?

• A. L.C. Bailey
• B. Jan Matzeliger
• C. Granville T. Woods
• D. W.H. Richardson

Answer: (B)

Jan Matzeliger is credited with inventing the shoe making machine, specifically a machine that revolutionized the process of shoe production by mechanizing the method of attaching the upper part of the shoe to its sole. Before Matzeliger's invention in the late 19th century, this process was heavily reliant on manual labor, making shoe production slow and costly.

Matzeliger's machine significantly increased efficiency, allowing for mass production of shoes at lower prices, which made them more accessible to a broader audience. His invention not only improved manufacturing techniques but also had a lasting impact on the footwear industry and helped pave the way for modern shoe-making practices. This innovation is a notable example of how African American inventors contributed to industrial advancements in the United States, despite facing significant societal challenges at the time.

While the other individuals listed made important contributions in their respective fields, they did not create a machine that fundamentally changed shoe production like Matzeliger did.