Edison vs. Tesla | Work of the World | 2
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Hello, American History Teller listeners. I have an exciting announcement. I'm going on tour and coming to a theater near you. This live show is a thrilling evening of history, storytelling, and music, with a full band accompanying me as we look back to explore the days that made America. And they aren't the days that you might think. Sure, everyone knows July 4th, 1776. We'll be hearing a lot about that date this year. But there are many other days that are maybe even more influential. So come out to see me live. More shows to be announced soon. So for information on tickets and upcoming dates, go to AmericanHistoryLive.com. That's AmericanHistoryLive.com. Come see my Days That Made America tour live on stage.
Go to AmericanHistoryLive.com.
Imagine it's late November 1886 in Buffalo, New York. You're a local grain trader, and you usually work long hours managing your business. It's early evening now, and you should be still in your office reviewing the details of your latest shipments. But as darkness fell, you found yourself straining to see your account books in the dim gaslight, so you gave up. Instead, you've joined your friend from the city council to marvel at Buffalo's latest attraction, the newly electrified four-story department store on Main Street. You gape at the dazzling display of electric lights illuminating the inside of the building. Well, now, isn't that something? Sure makes a store look beautiful. I'll say, and not only that, it's a sign of our city's growth.
Tells the world that Buffalo is open for business, you know. That Mr. Edison certainly is a genius. His lights are astounding. Oh, this isn't Edison's work. You turn to your friend, confused. What do you mean? Well, this may look like Edison, but it's not. In fact, it's better. Better? How's it better? Everyone knows Edison is the genius behind electric lighting. I've heard there are nearly 500 bulbs in that display. Who else could it be? Well, Edison may be a genius, even a wizard, as they say, but the lights you see before you were not manufactured by him. I know this. They are courtesy of George Westinghouse. That tycoon from Pittsburgh? That's the one. It's not just railroads he's invested in. From what I've heard, these lights are part of a much bigger endeavor of his.
He's developing some new way to generate electricity. They say better than Edison's. No, come on. Edison's been at this a long time. What does Westinghouse know about electricity? Well, more than you think. I've been reading about the system Westinghouse is backing.
What significant event marked Tesla's arrival in America?
It's called alternating current. Apparently, it can carry electricity over much greater distances, and it's more efficient. And, you know, as a businessman, I suppose you know what that means. Well, generally, it means it's cheaper. That's right. I'm sure you can see the beauty in that. Well, yeah, maybe. If I got a piece of the pie. Well, I'll let you in on something. Your friend takes your arm and tugs you out to the edge of the bustling crowd. A lot of Westinghouse's men came by the other day. This demonstration downtown is just the beginning. He says they intend to light up whole blocks of the business district, even private homes, warehouses like yours down by the waterfront. Well, I'll be. Is that so?
Yeah. He's working up a proposal as we speak. Maybe Westinghouse isn't Edison, but he is a genius businessman. And he's partnering with smart investors who know what they're doing. I'm telling you, Westinghouse and his boys are the future. Well, I suppose there's going to be an economic benefit for us, too. Hmm. Hmm. You turn from your friend and stare back at the department store, its lights casting a golden glow on the crowd all around you. You've never seen such a beautiful sight. Whoever's behind it has a bright future. Maybe you do as well.
From Audible Originals, I'm Lindsey Graham, and this is American History Tellers. Our history, your stories.
Shortly after Thanksgiving, 1886, residents of Buffalo, New York, were amazed to see a new and glorious sight downtown, their business district lit up with electric light.
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:00–2:30
2
What significant event marked Tesla's arrival in America?
2:30–7:07
3
How did Tesla's early experiences shape his interest in electricity?
7:07–12:32
4
What challenges did Tesla face while working for Edison?
12:32–14:47
5
What breakthrough did Tesla achieve with his AC motor design?
14:47–21:36
6
How did Tesla's innovations differ from Edison's methods?
21:36–24:49
7
What led to Tesla's partnership with George Westinghouse?
24:49–29:19
8
How did Tesla's presentation at Columbia College impact his career?
29:19–44:56