The Propaganda Battle Between Nikola Tesla And Thomas Edison

In the late 1880’s Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison battled over what type of electricity {Alternating Current or Direct Current} would become standard in the United States (Nix). People today take electricity for granted, but during this time period people were just beginning to dawn the idea of having electricity in households. The vast majority of people had to utilize more dangerous types of electricity such as gas lamps. Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison both invented a type of electricity and the people, scientists, and the press had to decide which one was safer, more convenient and successful. The War of the Currents was a long lasting propaganda battle between Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison that ultimately decided what type of electricity the United States would use.
“Edison developed the direct current -- current that runs in and single direction, like a battery or fuel cell” (Lantero). Nikola Tesla developed the alternating current. (See Appendix A) The direct current (DC) only ran in one direction, the primary problem with this was the lack of variety in voltages it could create. During the very early years of electricity, direct currents were predominantly used. Nikola Tesla predominantly believed that the alternating current (AC) was the solution. This form of power allowed for multiple currents to be
He moved from his home in Menlo Park to the Big Apple. He then inaugurated his long lasting goal in inventing the direct current, to light New York City (McNichol 55). While Edison was in New York, he began hunting for customers and laying electrical tubes throughout the city. (See Appendix B) Problems showed up instantaneously. People were concerned for the safety of this invention. (Write the name of Edison’s company) told people that there was no danger, that the one hundred and ten volts of electricity were not problem, but others did not believe it (McNichol