Who is most credited with pioneering mass production using interchangeable parts for muskets?

Eli Whitney is most credited with pioneering mass production using interchangeable parts, specifically in the manufacturing of muskets. This innovative approach involved creating standardized components that could be assembled in various combinations, which significantly improved efficiency and reduced costs in firearms production. Whitney's methods laid the foundation for industrial manufacturing processes and contributed to the development of the American system of manufacturing, where products could be mass-produced with uniform quality and precision. His work with firearms during the early 19th century demonstrated the practical application of interchangeable parts, which eventually influenced numerous industries beyond firearms.

In contrast, Thomas Edison is known primarily for his contributions to electrical engineering and the invention of the light bulb, not mass production techniques. Henry Ford revolutionized the automobile industry through assembly line production, which, while related, came later and built on the principles established by pioneers like Whitney. George Washington Carver is recognized for his agricultural innovations, particularly in crop rotation and soil management, rather than manufacturing processes.