How Did George Westinghouse Impact The World

George Westinghouse, an inventor and business entrepreneur, sent shockwaves through the engineering world of the 19th Century. Leading over 59 separate companies and acquiring more than 360 patents for his work, he undeniably influenced the country in remarkable ways. Although Westinghouse made an impact during the 1800s, he and his existing companies are still a prominent and relevant topic in the modern era. Particularly his invention of the air brake and the company that followed, his electric and manufacturing company that facilitated an hydroelectric power plant in Niagara Falls, and his strong ambition to light up the country with alternating current electric systems. The Westinghouse Air Brake Company was revolutionary for its time.

They owned factories in East Pittsburgh, Newark, and Cleveland, and eventually expanded abroad to Manchester in England, Havre in France, and Hamilton in Canada. Founded on Westinghouse’s drive and passion for creating an alternating current system, his business quickly dominated the field with over 13,000 workers in his factories. His generators were being used at Niagara Falls at one time, and along with his business partner Nikola Tesla, owned the leading hydroelectric power plant in the country. Westinghouse machinery was used until 1961 when the Edward Dean Adams Power plant was demolished. Within the modern era, the Westinghouse Electric Company still exists, continuing to pursue several other branches of the company, including nuclear energy. With many employees, specifically in the Pittsburgh area, they maintain their reputation of being a safe and efficient energy source. While Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing made a name for themselves in the late 1800s, they persevere in the 21st century to provide electric energy to

This poses the question, what if Westinghouse never existed? Or at the very least never became so accomplished? His long time business partner, Nikola Tesla most likely would have then chosen to lead the alternating current battle against Edison alone. Without Westinghouse to organize and sponsor the cost of lighting the Colombian World Fair, Edison and his direct current system may have beaten out alternating currents, pushing the wide use of them down the line. Outlets and other electrical plugs would have been entirely different. As far as transportation and safety measures of locomotives, it is unlikely that anyone else would have invented the concept of the airbrake for many years to come. They would probably run predominantly on hydraulic brakes instead, leading most modern vehicles to do the same. Riding trains would have been more dangerous, and an increase in accidents may have deterred travel and trade with opposite sides of the country, causing there to be more of a divide between the nation. Westinghouse’s effect on engineering was substantial, and certainly shaped the world we live in