Electricity Research Project

People have always assumed that Benjamin Franklin “invented” electricity. Electricity is a force of nature just like tornado, dust storm, or even the northern lights. In fact, electricity has always been around since it is a natural reaction between the flow of charged ions (electrons) of the sky and the ground. This kind of electricity, static electricity, was first discovered when Greek philosophers observed that when amber is rubbed against cloth, lightweight objects will stick to it. Now it is up to the 19^Th century inventor to harness and use the abundant power of electricity to make lives easier for centuries to come.

Originally, the use large-scale electricity began in 1895 when a dam was built over the powerful flowing waters of the Niagara Falls. This electricity was used locally for the manufacture of aluminum and carborundum. The next year, the dam generated 1,100 more volts which was transmitted twenty miles by wire to the city of Buffalo, where it was used for lighting and street cars. I learned that there were a few corporations of general electricity such as The General Electric Co. of Schenectady and Westinghouse electric Mfg. Co. of Pittsburgh were the only electric companies that offered power to industries therefore making a complete monopoly possible.

As companies grew, so did the demand for more electricity and since there was an infinite amount of electricity to be harnessed, the public soon began to experience electricity. Around the 1912's, Thomas Edison released his ideas of an electric light bulb to the public which became and instant advertising point. Immediately, plans were laid out, drawing in customers by telling people that the cost of electricity was lower than it had ever been and that it has many benefits.  Around the time of 1915's and 1920's, electricity was advertised to express that electricity was the popular thing that everyone should want and no house was complete without some sort of electrical appliance. The first couple of popular and efficient electric appliances were arguably the toaster, iron, and percolator. Although the prices for the electric appliances were rising, the cost of electricity was falling.

There were many new appliances and advances made upon electricity after the light bulb, toaster, and iron. Some of the great achievements include exploring the magnetic and energy flux, figuring out the composition of ions, and even learning about the ultraviolet light. More civil things include the invention of the electric vacuum cleaner which helped most, if not all, housewives having to clean the house. Other great inventions include the table grill, the electric candlestick, and the all important electric washer. Without these new tools, Women in the 1900's would have a very difficult time cleaning and cooking. Electricity had brought them leisure.

In conclusion, electricity was a very important factor in shaping America into what it is today, one of the most advanced countries in the world in electronics. Electricity not only brought leisure but also enabled jobs such as enginieering and computer sciences. Without electricity, America would most definately have more unemployed people than now. Furthermore, i believe that unlike oil, electricity was a great source of energy that well last as long as humanity will.