Final answer:
Nikola Tesla revolutionized the electricity industry by developing the alternating current system, allowing efficient long-distance power distribution and enabling factories to operate continuously. This technological advancement led to the widespread adoption of electric power across the United States, contributing to urban growth and economic expansion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nikola Tesla played a crucial role in revolutionizing the electricity industry in the United States through his development of the alternating current (AC) system for the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company. This allowed electric power to extend for miles, transforming the use of electricity in urban centers and enabling factories to operate uninterrupted, fostering an increase in production and a subsequent population shift towards cities. While Thomas Edison had pioneered the use of direct current (DC), Tesla’s AC system overcame the limitations of distance associated with DC, giving rise to an era of widespread electric power that fueled economic growth and changed the American way of life.In the battle for electric power dominance, Edison initially opposed AC power, concerned about its perceived dangers. However, as AC's advantages became clear, including safer and more efficient long-distance power distribution, it became the preferred method, despite Edison's attempts to discredit it through a public relations campaign. Tesla's contribution to AC power provided the technical foundation for its adoption over DC, leading to the ubiquity of electricity in homes, businesses, and industries across the nation.The growth of cities and the expansion of industry were greatly accelerated by the widespread adoption of electric power. The shift from other forms of energy to electricity had profound impacts on American society, from changing work patterns to enabling the emergence of new consumer industries. With the advent of electricity, the United States experienced a remarkable transformation in production, communication, and daily life.