2. The AC vs DC Grudge
Today, alternating current (AC) lights up our homes and workplaces, and powers up our appliances through wall sockets. By contrast, direct current (DC) is relegated mostly to batteries. In the nineteenth century, however, the issue was undecided, and powerful interests fiercely competed to decide whether AC or DC would dominate the world. Alternating current was championed by George Westinghouse, who pushed AC as the best means to bring electricity to the masses. On direct current’s side was Thomas Edison. There was serious money at stake, and Edison came to regret how he had once screwed inventor Nikola Tesla over, because Tesla effectively decided the issue against Edison.
DC is crappy compared to AC, because DC is weaker and can only be transported short distances. However, Edison had invested millions in DC, and he was not about to let the upstart AC flush that investment down the drain if he could help it. Then Tesla, a former employee with a grudge against Edison, who had cheated him out of a promised reward, wrecked Edison’s electricity plans. Employed by Westinghouse, Tesla designed the modern AC electricity supply system that ensured its easy delivery and use. That ensured the defeat of Edison and his DC plan in what came to be known as “The War of the Currents“. In addition to his key role in the development of readily usable alternating current – a scientific contribution that revolutionized the world – Tesla had a long list of other major inventions.
