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The Industrial Revolution: Inventions and Progress

The Light Bulb: Thomas Edison and the Electric Age

Thomas Edison's Invention of the Light Bulb

Thomas Edison's invention of the light bulb is often cited as one of the most important inventions of the Industrial Revolution. Prior to the light bulb, lighting was provided by candles, oil lamps, and gas lamps, which were expensive, dangerous, and often ineffective. Edison's invention revolutionized the way we live and work, making it possible for people to work and study late into the night without the need for dangerous and expensive lighting sources.

The First Practical and Efficient Design

Edison did not invent the idea of electric lighting. In fact, several inventors before him had developed designs for electric lamps. However, Edison was the first to develop a practical and efficient design that could be mass-produced and used in homes and businesses. His design used a carbon filament that burned for hundreds of hours, making it cost-effective and practical for widespread use.

The Beginning of the Electric Age

The invention of the light bulb was just the beginning of the electric age. Within a few years, electric power stations were being built all over the country, providing power to homes and businesses. This led to the development of new appliances and devices that could be powered by electricity, including refrigerators, washing machines, and radios. The electric age had begun, and it would continue to transform the world for decades to come.

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