Edison Versus Tesla

Thomas Edison built the first commercial power grid using DC in 1882 — it lit up part of Manhattan. But DC had a fatal flaw: it couldn't travel more than a mile or two without massive voltage drops. You'd need a power station on every block.

• Edison (DC) had the first-mover advantage, famous name, and deep pockets
• Tesla and Westinghouse (AC) had superior technology — transformers let AC travel hundreds of miles
• Edison launched a smear campaign, publicly electrocuting animals to "prove" AC was dangerous
• Westinghouse won the contract to light the 1893 Chicago World's Fair using AC, proving it safe and practical.