Ancient Greeks discovered static electricity in 500-400 BC. Benjamin Franklin conducted experiments with electricity in the 18th century and theorized its polar nature. Alessandro Volta then created the first battery in the early 19th century. This led to discoveries like the electromagnet and electric generator in the early 1800s. Thomas Edison developed the incandescent light bulb in the late 1800s and began powering homes with electricity. Nikola Tesla also developed the AC induction motor and left Edison's company to form his own using alternating current.

1. About 500-400 BC
Ancient Greeks discover rubbing wool and amber together would send a
shock through the person holding it.

2. 18th Century
Benjamin Franklin becomes one of the first to conduct experimentation with
electricity including his infamous kite experiment. Theorized the polar nature
of electricity.
Benjamin Franklin

3. Early 19th Century
Alessandro Volta creates a rudimentary battery.
Alessandro Volta

4. 1810-1820
William Sturgeon and Joseph Henry discover and produce the
electromagnet.

5. 1830s
Michael Faraday creates the first electromagnet generator and Hoppolyte
Pixii creates the first electric dynamo.
Michael Faraday Pixii’s Dynamo

6. 1871
Zénobe Théophile Gramme creates the first continuous-current generator.

7. 1879
Charles F. Brush creates the first practical electric lighting arc.

8. 1878-1888
Edison discovers the incandescent lighting system and begins to place
electrical incandescent lighting systems in more than 500 peoples homes.
Thomas Alva Edison

9. 1883
Nikola Tesla has a fully developed AC induction motor.
Nikola Tesla

10. 1885
Nikola Tesla leaves the employment of Edison to form his own company with
Alternating Current as a business model.

11. 1888
Tesla Electric Company merges with Westinghouse Electric.
George Westinghouse