Edison vs Tesla: AC vs DC Electricity (1880s)
by Anonymous
The War of Currents pitted Edison's direct current (DC) system against Tesla and Westinghouse's alternating current (AC). Edison campaigned against AC as dangerous, but AC's ability to transmit over long distances won.
Alternating Current (AC)
Hundreds of miles via transformers
transmission distance
Edison claimed it was deadly
safety (perceived)
Cheaper for long-distance grids
cost
Won — powers the world today
outcome
Direct Current (DC)
About 1 mile from power station
transmission distance
Edison promoted as safer
safety (perceived)
Required power station every mile
cost
Lost — still used in electronics and EVs
outcome
Like this comparison? Make it your own.
Sign up to use as templateMore in History
William the Conqueror: Invade England or Stay in Normandy (1066)
Invade England vs Press Diplomatic Claim vs Accept the Situation
Fukushima: Seawater Injection Decision (2011)
Inject Seawater Immediately vs Wait for Corporate Approval
Chernobyl: Response Strategy (1986)
Information Suppression (Chosen) vs Immediate Transparency and Evacuation
Lewis and Clark: Northern vs Southern Route (1805)
Lemhi Pass (Northern Route) vs Direct Western Crossing
Nixon: End the Gold Standard (1971)
End Gold Convertibility (Nixon Shock) vs Defend Gold Standard vs Revalue Gold Higher
MLK: March on Washington Strategy (1963)
March on Washington vs Focus on Local Actions