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The development of electricity in the United States was not the work of a single person, but rather a series of important contributions by many inventors and scientists. However, a few key figures stand out:
In short, while no one person "started" electricity in the U.S., figures like Franklin, Edison, Tesla, and Westinghouse played major roles in the understanding, development, and widespread use of electrical power.
- Benjamin Franklin: In the 18th century, Franklin is often credited with discovering the relationship between lightning and electricity. His famous kite experiment in 1752 demonstrated that lightning is a form of electrical discharge. Though he didn't invent electricity, his work laid the foundation for later discoveries.
- Thomas Edison: Known as the "Wizard of Menlo Park," Edison made significant advancements in the practical use of electricity, especially with his invention of the incandescent light bulb in 1879. He is also known for developing the first practical electric power distribution system, which helped bring electricity to homes and businesses.
- Nikola Tesla: Tesla was instrumental in developing alternating current (AC) electrical systems, which became the standard for long-distance electrical power transmission. He worked with George Westinghouse to promote AC power, which ultimately won the "War of Currents" against Thomas Edison's direct current (DC) systems.
- George Westinghouse: An industrialist and engineer, Westinghouse was a key figure in the development and commercialization of alternating current (AC) electricity. He worked with Nikola Tesla to develop AC systems that allowed electricity to be transmitted over long distances, which was a game-changer in making electricity more widely available.
In short, while no one person "started" electricity in the U.S., figures like Franklin, Edison, Tesla, and Westinghouse played major roles in the understanding, development, and widespread use of electrical power.