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How did Thomas Edison's work change American life in the late 1800s?

A. By promoting horse-drawn transportation.
B. By revolutionizing communication through the telegraph.
C. By introducing the first successful electric light bulb.
D. By advancing steam engine technology.

User Alx
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Thomas Edison's invention of the electric light bulb revolutionized the way Americans lived, enabling extended factory work hours, the growth of urban centers, and changes in sleep patterns due to reliable night-time lighting. Option C is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

Thomas Edison's work changed American life in the late 1800s primarily C. By introducing the first successful electric light bulb. Edison's invention of the incandescent light bulb in 1879 marked a significant innovation in lighting technology, allowing homes, factories, and streets to be illuminated with a safer and more reliable source of light than ever before.

The spread of electrical lighting, along with the establishment of the first commercial power plants in 1882, caused profound changes in American society. The availability of electricity spurred the growth of urban centers, extended factory hours, boosted economic growth, and changed the nocturnal habits of citizens.

The transformation led to more people moving to cities and the expansion of industries that thrived under the availability of electric power such as manufacturing. Furthermore, Edison's inventions like the phonograph and motion picture projector contributed to entertainment and communication.

User Samuel Cole
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