Chapter 1: Introduction to the War of Currents

Thomas Alva Edison is widely recognized as one of history's most innovative inventors. Renowned for enhancing the incandescent light bulb, his laboratory secured over a thousand patents throughout his lifetime, including the phonograph and motion picture camera. However, there exists a lesser-known, darker aspect of his character that often goes unnoticed.

Edison was fixated on proving his ideas to be superior and undermining fellow inventors like Nikola Tesla, all in the name of profit. His relentless quest for fame and recognition led him to morally questionable actions. This article delves into Edison's shadowy tactics and the fierce competition he waged against Tesla during the War of Currents.

Chapter 2: The Beginning of Their Collaboration

In 1884, Nikola Tesla arrived in New York, where he began working for Edison at his Manhattan facility. Initially, their relationship was cordial. At that time, Edison, aged 37, had already achieved significant success, while Tesla was engaged in installing lab equipment, repairing machines, and designing new devices.

Edison introduced the first practical incandescent light bulb in 1879, which lasted 14.5 hours. "My light is at last a perfect one," he proclaimed to the New York Times. Following a public demonstration on December 31, 1879, people flocked to Menlo Park to witness his laboratory illuminated by electric light.

Following the demonstration, Edison envisioned a prosperous future by building hydroelectric plants to produce Direct Current (DC) power across American cities. However, he faced a significant challenge: DC power lost voltage over longer distances, making it impractical for widespread use.

Chapter 3: The Shift to Alternating Current

To address this issue, Edison sought Tesla's assistance. Given Tesla's mathematical expertise, Edison believed he could devise a solution. He even promised Tesla a $50,000 reward for a viable fix.

Tesla diligently worked on the problem and proposed using Alternating Current (AC). He demonstrated that with transformers, voltage levels could be adjusted, allowing for efficient long-distance transmission—an improvement over the DC system.

However, Edison was reluctant to abandon his trademark DC system, which generated significant royalties through his numerous patents. He dismissed Tesla's ideas as "splendid but utterly impractical," leading Tesla to leave Edison's employment in search of a more receptive collaborator.

In 1885, industrialist George Westinghouse recognized the potential of Tesla's AC system and hired him, igniting Edison's competitive spirit. The "War of Currents" had officially commenced, with Edison determined to discredit Tesla's innovations.

Chapter 4: Edison's Descent into Darkness

Edison embarked on a campaign to portray AC as a dangerous alternative. In 1888, he sank to a new low by publicly electrocuting a stray dog using AC current, showcasing its lethal capabilities. His team reportedly killed numerous animals, including an elephant named Topsy, in a misguided effort to demonstrate the dangers of AC.

Edison's accomplice, electrical engineer Harold Brown, also executed cruel experiments, shocking animals to showcase the supposed dangers of AC. In response, Tesla organized exhibitions to highlight the safety and benefits of AC, including demonstrations where he lit lamps wirelessly.

Chapter 5: The Electric Chair Incident