The impact of Electricity on Society and Technology: A Timeline of Tranformations

Transportation: Electric Transport Systems

1870

First electric tram in Berlin, Germany (key milestone in public transport).
Electric trains become a significant mode of transport in cities.
The electric trolleybus system is introduced in several cities, providing a cleaner and more efficient form of urban transport.
Electric cars start to emerge, although they are not yet widely adopted.

communication: the first radio transmission

1874

Born in Bologna, Italy, in 1874 to an Italian father and an Irish mother, Marconi studied physics and became interested in the transmission of radio waves after learning of the experiments of the German physicist Heinrich Hertz. He began his own experiments in Bologna beginning in 1894 and soon succeeded in sending a radio signal over a distance of 1.5 miles.
He formed a wireless telegraph company and soon was sending transmissions from distances farther than 10 miles.

Leisure and Entertainment: New Opportunities with Electricity

1879

Thomas Edison invents the first practical light, enabling the illumination of homes and streets.
The first electric-powered cinema screens begin to emerge, revolutionizing the film industry and making it more accessible to the public.
Electrification of concert halls allows for better sound systems and lighting, enhancing the experience for audiences.
The radio becomes widely available, bringing entertainment and news into homes across the world, transforming leisure activities.

Home: Domestic Appliances and Comforts

1879

First Electric Light
Edison’s invention of the incandescent light bulb provided a new source of light for homes, drastically improving living conditions and enabling a longer day.
Mass Adoption of Electric Appliances
After WWII, electricity-powered household appliances became more affordable, contributing to higher living standards and changing family dynamics.

Industry: Automation and Productivity

1880

Electricity in Factories
The use of electricity in industrial machinery began in the 1880s, factories adopting electric motors to replace steam engines
Assembly Lines
The introduction of electric-powered assembly lines revolutionized manufacturing, speeding up production processes and reducing labor costs.
Automated Manufacturing
The widespread adoption of electric automation led to an explosion of industrial production, making goods cheaper and more accessible.

Electricity Production: Power Generation and Distribution

1882

First Power Plant
Edison’s Pearl Street Station in New York City became the first central power plant to supply electricity to homes and businesses, marking the beginning of modern electricity distribution.
Hydroelectric and Coal Power Plants
The construction of hydroelectric and coal-powered plants became widespread, increasing the capacity for energy production and contributing to the rapid growth of electric infrastructure.