Wiktor Wise
The history of electricity is a long and fascinating one, with the ancient Greeks first observing static electricity through experiments with amber rods in the 6th century BCE. However, it wasn't until the 17th century that English scientist William Gilbert published the first theories about electricity in his book, 'De Magnete'. In the centuries that followed, scientists such as Benjamin Franklin, Michael Faraday, and Thomas Edison played key roles in developing electrical systems and applications. By the late 19th century, electricity powered homes, businesses, and streetlights, with the first private electric systems appearing in the UK in 1881, Japan in 1878, Canada in 1882, and the US in the early 20th century.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First use of electricity in a building | 1891, when electric lighting was installed in the White House |
| First central station providing public power | Autumn 1881, in Godalming, Surrey, UK |
| First large-scale central power station in the US | Edison's Pearl Street Station in New York, September 1882 |
| First large-scale central distribution supply plant | Holborn Viaduct in London, 1882 |
| First American home powered by hydroelectricity | September 1882, in Appleton, Wisconsin |
| First appearance in print of the word "electricity" | 1646, in Thomas Browne's Pseudodoxia Epidemica |
| First theories about electricity | Published in the 1600s by English physician and physicist William Gilbert |
| First documentation of electricity | 500 BC, when Thales of Miletus discovered static electricity by rubbing fur on amber |
| First incandescent light bulb | Invented in the 1870s |
| First transcontinental telegraph systems | 1860s |
| First AC power station | Built by English electrical engineer Sebastian de Ferranti |
| First three-phase induction motor | Introduced by Mikhail Dolivo-Dobrovolsky in 1890 |
| First AC motors on the market | GE and Westinghouse, 1895 |
| Electric power became widely available in homes | Early 20th century |
| Electric power available to 70% of households in the US | 1930 |
| Largest public power company in the US | Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), providing power to nearly 8.5 million customers |
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What You'll Learn
The first public electricity
The history of electricity is a long and fascinating one, with many scientists contributing to our understanding of it over the centuries. The ancient Greeks first observed static electricity through experiments with amber rods conducted by the Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus in the 6th century BCE. However, it wasn't until the 17th century that the English scientist William Gilbert published the first theories about electricity in his book "De Magnete". In this book, Gilbert made a careful study of electricity and magnetism, distinguishing between the lodestone effect and static electricity produced by rubbing amber. He also coined the Neo-Latin word "electricus", derived from the Greek word for amber, which later gave rise to the English words "electric" and "electricity". These terms first appeared in print in Thomas Browne's "Pseudodoxia Epidemica" in 1646.
In the centuries that followed, numerous scientists made significant contributions to the understanding and application of electricity. In the early 1700s, English scientist Francis Hauksbee created a glass ball that glowed when rubbed, demonstrating electrical attraction and repulsion. This discovery eventually led to neon lighting. In 1740, German and Dutch scientists invented the Leyden jar, one of the first devices invented to store and use electrical energy. In 1752, Benjamin Franklin conducted his famous kite experiment, proving that lightning was a form of electricity.
The exploration of electricity intensified in the 19th century, with several important developments taking place. In 1831, Michael Faraday made groundbreaking discoveries about electric fields, paving the way for advancements in generators and transformers. In 1837, Cooke and Wheatstone commercially demonstrated the electrical telegraph, enabling global communication within minutes. The invention of the incandescent light bulb in the 1870s marked a significant milestone, as lighting became one of the first publicly available applications of electrical power. This led to the establishment of public utilities in many cities, targeting the growing market for electrical lighting.
The late 19th century witnessed a rapid expansion of electricity across the globe. In 1878, the Institute of Technology in Tokyo illuminated an arc lamp using electricity. This was followed by the launch of Japan's first power company, Tokyo Electric Lighting, in 1886. Australia embraced electricity in 1880 after Edison's groundbreaking invention, and Canada followed suit in 1882 with its first private electric system. In 1882, a house in Appleton, Wisconsin became the first American home to be powered by hydroelectricity, using Thomas Edison's direct current (DC) system. Edison's contributions to the electrification of homes and communities were significant, and he is also credited with perfecting the light bulb.
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Electric lighting in the White House
The use of electricity can be traced back to ancient times, with the ancient Greeks first observing static electricity. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that electricity was widely available to the public, powering homes, businesses, and streetlights.
Electric lighting was installed in the White House in 1891, powered by two generators. At the time, electricity was a relatively new method of illumination, and few people trusted it enough to use it exclusively. President Benjamin Harrison and First Lady Caroline Harrison refused to operate the light switches due to fears of electrocution and left the task to the staff. The electrical work was part of a well-funded project that also included wiring the State, War & Navy building next door. The Edison Company installed a generator for both buildings, with wires strung across the lawn and introduced into the White House under the conservatory. The wires were buried in the plaster, and round switches were installed in each room to turn the current on and off.
The introduction of electric lighting in the White House was a significant milestone, demonstrating the advancements that have transformed the way we live and work. It also highlights how the White House has acted as a testing ground for new technologies, shaping modern life.
Over the years, the electrical systems at the White House have required upkeep and updates. During President Truman's tenure, the building was on the verge of collapse due to a series of haphazard renovations, and a major renovation project was undertaken. More recently, various administrations have focused on making the White House more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, with contributions from Presidents Carter, Clinton, George W. Bush, and Obama.
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The direct current vs alternating current debate
The late 19th century marked a significant turning point in the history of electricity, with advancements leading to its widespread application in homes, businesses, and streetlights. This period also witnessed the emergence of the "direct current versus alternating current" debate, pitting Thomas Edison against George Westinghouse.
Direct current (DC), championed by Edison, refers to electricity flowing in a constant direction with a steady voltage. It is commonly obtained from batteries, solar cells, and other sources. On the other hand, alternating current (AC), favoured by Westinghouse, involves the periodic reversal of voltage polarity and the bidirectional flow of electricity. AC is typically produced by generators or power plants and transmitted to homes and offices.
The debate between Edison and Westinghouse centred on the safety, efficiency, and practicality of their respective systems. Nikola Tesla, a student of Edison, advocated for AC, arguing that it could be more easily converted to different voltages using transformers. In contrast, Edison launched a misinformation campaign, claiming that AC was more dangerous. He even publicly electrocuted stray animals using alternating current to prove his point.
The Chicago World's Fair in 1893 became a pivotal moment in the debate. General Electric, backed by Edison, bid to electrify the fair using direct current for $554,000. However, they lost to Westinghouse, who offered to do the same using Tesla's AC system for a lower price of $399,000. This event marked a turning point, and AC eventually became the standard for electricity in the United States due to its lower distribution costs and ability to supply power over larger areas.
Today, AC remains the predominant form of electricity powering our homes and appliances. However, DC has experienced a resurgence, powering computers, LEDs, solar cells, and electric vehicles. With the development of methods to convert DC to higher and lower voltages, it is now possible to transmit electricity over long distances with reduced energy loss. This has led to a potential future where AC and DC work in parallel, each leveraging its unique advantages.
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Rural electrification
The history of electricity is a long and fascinating one, dating back to the ancient Greeks who first observed static electricity. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that electricity began to power homes, businesses, and streetlights. Even then, electricity was mostly limited to urban areas, and rural communities were left in the dark. This "electrical divide" between cities and the countryside persisted for decades, with only about 10% of rural America having access to electricity in the 1930s.
The Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (REA) aimed to address this disparity by providing federal loans for the installation of electrical distribution systems in isolated rural areas of the United States. This was one of many New Deal proposals by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to remedy high unemployment during the Great Depression. The funding was channelled through cooperative electric power companies, which purchased power wholesale and distributed it through their own transmission and distribution lines.
The REA did more than just provide loans, it also helped rural communities learn how to use electricity. Advisors like Louisan Mamer travelled around the country, staging what they called an "electric circus" to teach people how to operate and maintain electrical equipment and use it for household chores and cooking. This hands-on approach ensured that rural Americans were not only connected to the electrical grid but also knew how to utilise it effectively.
Amendments to the REA over the years have further extended its impact. In 1944, loan terms were increased to 35 years, and in 1949, the act was expanded to include loans for telephone companies extending their connections to rural areas. More recently, in 2008, provisions were made for access to rural broadband telecommunications networks and the internet, ensuring that rural communities can stay connected and access the benefits of modern technology.
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The role of Samuel Insull
The history of electricity is a long and fascinating one, dating back to ancient times. However, it was not until the 19th century that electricity became a practical power source for homes and businesses. The following sections will focus on the role of Samuel Insull in bringing electricity to the public.
The Early Life of Samuel Insull
Samuel Insull, born in London, England, on November 11, 1859, was the son of a tradesman and lay preacher. At the age of 14, he began working as a clerk and later became the private secretary to Thomas Edison, a renowned inventor. Insull's work with Edison sparked his interest in electricity and set him on a path to become an influential figure in the electrical industry.
Samuel Insull's Career in the Electrical Industry
Insull immigrated to the United States in 1881 at the age of 21. He took charge of the struggling Edison General Electric Company and successfully transformed its fortunes, leading to significant growth in employment and productivity. In 1892, he became the president of the Chicago Edison Electric Company, initiating major advancements in electric power supply. Insull played a pivotal role in promoting electrical consumption by introducing initiatives such as ""give something electrical for Christmas." He also understood that electricity had to be affordable and widely distributed, so he kept prices low and advocated for state regulation of monopolies.
Innovations in Electricity Generation and Infrastructure
Insull was an innovator who helped create an integrated electrical infrastructure in the United States. He practiced vertical integration, controlling various aspects of the electricity generation process, from coal extraction to transportation and power generation at Commonwealth Edison power stations. He used economies of scale to produce electricity cheaply and efficiently, making it easier to bring electricity into homes. By the late 1920s, he controlled a substantial portion of the U.S. electricity market.
The Downfall and Legacy of Samuel Insull
Despite his contributions, Insull's empire collapsed during the Wall Street Crash of 1929 and the ensuing Great Depression. He was accused of profiting by selling worthless stock, leading to legal troubles and public vilification. Although he was eventually acquitted of all charges, his reputation suffered irreparable damage. Insull's legacy is complex; while he is remembered as a pioneering innovator, his name is also associated with the failure of his business empire during a turbulent economic period.
In conclusion, Samuel Insull played a pivotal role in the development of the electrical industry in the United States. His innovations in electricity generation and infrastructure brought electricity to homes across the country. Despite his downfall during the Great Depression, his contributions laid the foundation for the widespread adoption of electricity and regulated monopolies in the electrical industry.
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Frequently asked questions
The first central station providing public power is believed to be one at Godalming, Surrey, UK, in autumn 1881. By 1882, between 8 and 10 households were connected, with a total of 57 lights.
Electricity became widely available in homes in the early 20th century. The first American home to be powered by hydroelectricity was in Appleton, Wisconsin, in 1882.
Thomas Edison played a key role in the development of electricity. He opened the first large-scale central power station in America, Pearl Street Station in New York, in 1882.
Samuel Insull, Thomas Edison's assistant, brought electricity to the suburbs and countryside, making it possible for everyone to have electricity.
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