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Date of Birth
Thomas Alva Edison is born in Milan, Ohio to Samuel Edison and Nancy Elliot Edison. Samuel Edison was an exiled political activist from Canada, while his mother was a schoolteacher who largely influenced his early years. Edison was the youngest of seven kids, and he was interested in science from a young age. This is significant because he would go on to be one of the greatest inventors ever, and invent many things such as the practical light bulb and the phonograph (Thomas Edison Biography). -
The Mexican-American War ends
This was a war fought between Mexico and the United States after Mexico responded angrily to the United States annexing Texas in 1845. The two countries fought between May of 1846 and September of 1847. The war officially ended after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed in 1848, forcing Mexico to give territory to the U.S. This is significant because the United States gained a large amount if territory, including California, Utah, and parts of Arizona among other areas (Beck 669). -
The Civil War begins
The Civil War was fought between the Union (Northern States) and the Confederate (Southern States). The south went against the the north because they opposed slavery. During the war, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, saying that all slaves were free after the Union defeated the Confederate States. The Union was able to defeat the southern states in 1865. The Civil War was significant because it helped solidify America as a nation and abolished slavery (Beck 671) -
Edison patents the Universal Stock Printer
The Universal Stock Printer was a simple device that helped synchronize several stock tickers transactions. It greatly impressed the Gold and Stock Telegraph Company and they bought the rights from him for $40,000. The success pushed Edison to quit his job as a telegrapher to become a full-time inventor (Thomas Edison Biography). This event was significant because it was eventually what made Edison want to become a full-time inventor and helped him gain recognition as an inventor (Bixby 89). -
Edison sets up his first small laboratory in Newark, New Jersey
When Edison moved to his first small laboratory and manufacturing facility, he hired several machinists and researchers to assist him in his research. He also developed multiple partnerships and would make his inventions for the highest bidder. This event is significant because Edison had plenty of success in Newark, and he slowly became a well known inventor (Thomas Edison Biography). Also, his research lab in Newark was the first laboratory for industrial research and development (Beck 673). -
Edison moves to a new laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey
Edison built an independent industrial research facility with machine shops and laboratories. He continued his work here as an inventor until 1887, and this was where he gained much of his fame (Thomas Edison Biography). Here he became known as the "The Wizard of Menlo Park" and gained recognition from all around the globe. This event is significant because Menlo Park was where Edison developed his greatest inventions, most importantly the light bulb and phonograph (Hylander 164). -
Edison invents the phonograph
The phonograph is a device used for mechanical recording and the playback of sound. It consisted of a tinfoil coated cylinder with two needles and he later established the Edison Speaking Phonograph Company to sell the product. This event was very significant because the phonograph had many uses, and was an important step in making audio playback what it is today (Edison Invents the Phonograph). The invention of the phonograph also brought Edison worldwide recognition (Thomas Edison Biography). -
Edison and his team begin working on a practical incandescent light
When Edison began working on a practical incandescent light bulb, he was attempting to improve upon previous light bulbs by making one that lasted longer. He searched for a better filament than paper-carbon, eventually settling on a type of bamboo. The inventing of the practical light bulb was a slow process. This event is significant because Edison was beginning to work on a device that would change the world and make him one of the most well known inventors ever (Hylander 168-169). -
Edison invents the practical incandescent light bulb
The practical incandescent light bulb was not the first light bulb created; it was the first perfected light bulb,lasting far longer than previous light bulbs (Thomas Edison Biography). The light bulb sends electricity to a filament, producing an artificial light when it is hot enough. (Thomas Edison Light Bulb). This event is significant because light bulbs still have a large impact on our daily lives. Without them, we would not have a reliable artificial source of light (Hylander 171). -
Edison opens the first commercial electric power station for incandescent lighting
Once Edison perfected the light bulb, he founded the Edison Illuminating Company. He established a power generating station on Pearl Street in Manhattan, bringing electricity to 59 customers (Thomas Edison Biography). Edison would soon build similar stations in London and Wisconsin, among other places. This event is significant because electricity had been brought to homes and businesses for the first time, and it was a big step in the development of generating stations (Hylander 171). -
Edison patents the kinetograph
This invention was an early movie camera, which used a perforated film moved by sprocket wheels and a hand crank. Edison even made some short movies with the kinetograph. (Hylander 171-172). The kinetograph was able to capture moving images, but could not capture audio. This event was significant because it was not only a useful invention for filming motion pictures; it also inspired other inventors to improve his invention and enhance the movie camera (Edison Patents the Kinetograph). -
World War I begins in Europe
World War I was fought between the the Central Powers (Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire) and the Allies (Great Britain, France, and Russia). It all began with the Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. (Beck 747).This event is significant because it broke the lasting peace that had been in Europe for around thirty years, and it would engulf most of Europe and other countries around the world (Beck 743). About 8.5 soldiers were killed, and 21 million more were injured (Beck 763). -
The Panama Canal is opened
The Panama Canal was a man-made waterway dug through Panama, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. U.S. president, Theodore Roosevelt was able to get permission from Panama to build the canal and he began the difficult project. The engineers battled the tough conditions, but were eventually able to finish. This is significant because the Panama Canal allowed ships to sail between the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean, rather than travelling around the tip of South America (Beck 727). -
The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is ratified
The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was what gave women the right to vote. It was only 132 years after the Constitution had been passed that woman gained suffrage (Beck 911). The fight for women's rights had become recognized on a national level around 1848, and women's rights activists finally won the battle of gaining women's suffrage 70 years later. This is significant because women had gained the right to vote and it was a step closer to making a true democracy (19th Amendment). -
Joseph Stalin becomes dictator of Soviet Union
Stalin ruled over a totalitarian Communist government. During his regime, Stalin attempted to revolutionize the U.S.S.R. industrially and agriculturally. He successfully improved the Soviet Union, but many peasants revolted against the agricultural revolution in specific, which was extremely unfair. Over 5 million died as a result of the brutal conditions. His rule was significant because although he improved the economy of the Soviet Union, he killed millions at the same time (Beck 776-777). -
Date of Death
Edison died at the age of 84 due to complications of diabetes while at his home, Glenmont, in West Orange New Jersey. Many communities briefly dimmed or turned off their lights to commemorate the life of this great inventor. Edison was one of the most well-known and respected Americans across the globe. His life was significant because he brought society one of the most important inventions, the light bulb, and he set the stage for the electrical world today (Thomas Edison Biography).
