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Birth
Thomas Edison born On February 11,1847 in Milan, Ohio. He is the youngest child of 7 in the Edison family. His parents are named Samuel and Nancy Edison. -
World Event: " Communist Manifesto"
In 1848 Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels published "Communist Manifesto". This tried to explain the goals of communism. It also tried to explain how other systems should be replaced by communism. -
World Event: The Mexican-American War
In 1848, Texas becomes a part of America. The Mexican-American War was between America and Mexico for ownership over Texas. America won and received Texas.(history.com) -
World Event: Great Potato Famine in Ireland
The Great Famine in Ireland happened from 1845-1849. When the potato crop failed to grow. Over 1 million people in Ireland died from starvation. -
Start of Career
In 1859, Edison quit school and began working as a trainboy on the railroad between Detroit and Port Huron. He saved a 3 year old child from being run over by a train, the child's father rewarded Thomas by teaching him how to operate a telegraph. It is significant because it leads Edison to more jobs in the future.(biography.com) -
World Event: Start of Civil War
In 1861, The Civil War began in South Carolina. The war was between the Union and the Confederates.The Union was led by Abraham Lincoln and the Confederates was led by Robert E. Lee. The civil war is important because it eventually ends slavery in America.(history.com) -
World Event: End of the American Civil War
In 1865, The Civil War ends in America. Abraham Lincoln led the Union to a victory over the Confederates. Robert E. Lee surrendered his last army in the spring of 1865. This is important because it ends slavery. -
World Event: Abolition of Slavery
In 1865, after the Union army led by Abraham Lincoln won the civil , slavery was abolished. In December of 1865, Abraham Lincoln made a law to end slavery in America. This is important because many african-americans are free in the South. -
Working for the Associative Press
In 1866, Edison moved to Louisville, Kentucky working for the Associative press. " He developed an unrestricted style of thinking and inquiry, proving things to himself through objective examination and experimentation.' (biography.com) -
Becoming an Inventor
In 1869, at age 22, Thomas moved to New York City and developed his first invention called the Universal stock printer. "The Gold and Stock Telegraph Company was impressed and paid Edison $40,000 for the rights. With this success , he quit his work as a telegrapher to become a full-time inventor." (biography.com) -
Edison's First Facility in Newark, New Jersey
In 1870, Edison set up his first small laboratory and manufacturing facility in Newark, New Jersey. Edison employed many people to work on machines. As an independent entrepreneur, he formed many partnerships and made products for the highest buyers. This is important because it leads Edison to be one of the industry leaders. -
Invented an Improved Light Bulb
"After Edison bought Henry Woodward and Mathew Evans patent and making improvements to their designs, Edison made the light bulb. He began to manufacture and market it for a widespread use.
(britannica.com) This is important because Edison became very successful from creating a very useful item that is still used today. -
Edison Illuminating Company
In 1880, Edison developed a company that would deliver the electricity to power and light cities around the world. He made facilities in several cities to make electrical systems easier to install. This is important because it is easier to sell light bulbs around the world. -
Iron-Ore Plant in New Jersey
"During the 1890s, Edison built an iron-ore processing plant in northern New Jersey that proved to be a commercial failure. Later, he was able to salvage the process into a better way to produce cement."(biography.com) This is important because Edison found an easier way to produce cement which helps many industries. -
World War 1
"During World War 1, the U.S. government asked Thomas Edison to head the Naval Consulting Board, which examined inventions for military use. Edison worked on submarine detectors and gun-location techniques."(biography.com) This is important because Edison helped the Navy during WW1 by making equipment and improving it. -
Thomas Edison Death
On October 18,1931, Thomas Edison died at age 84 in West Orange, New Jersey. He died from both age and diabetes.
