Final answer:
Thomas Edison's electric light bulb greatly influenced American industrial growth by extending factory working hours, increasing productivity, and improving safety. It stimulated urbanization and the rise of new industries, transforming the economic landscape and everyday life.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impact of Edison’s Light Bulb on American Industrial Growth
The introduction of Thomas Edison's incandescent light bulb in 1879 had a revolutionary impact on American industrial growth. This invention allowed for the extension of the workday, as factories could now stay operational beyond daylight hours. Electric lighting increased safety by reducing the risks of fire and explosions associated with oil and gas lamps and allowed factories to operate continuously, fostering a surge in productivity.
Urbanization was further propelled due to the need for additional workers to handle the increased output of 24/7 factory operations. Cities began to electrify streets, enhancing security and permitting a vibrant nighttime economy, leading to the proliferation of electrical infrastructure and the growth of related industries.
The economy diversified as newer industries such as electrical appliances emerged, and people's lifestyles were transformed as they adopted these new technologies into their homes, further fueling economic growth.
Edison's development of the light bulb aimed to provide an efficient method of lighting homes and businesses that was safer and cheaper than gas lights. This innovation not only transformed American factories but also contributed significantly to the growth of cities and the rise of new industries and technologies.