Thomas Edison is an American inventor and businessman, who has been described as “America’s greatest inventor.” His tireless work efforts and dedication to science not only helped him to create inventions that have advanced technology , but also become an inspirational figure for Americans. His improvements and inventions on objects that were already invented helped the lives of over millions of Americans. He helped to build America’s economy during some of its more vulnerable years as a new nation. Thomas Edison’s inventions have helped to advance our society though his dedications and knowledge in mechanical, electrical, and chemical sciences. Thomas Alva Edison was born on February 11, 1847 in Milan, Ohio. He was the youngest of seven children born to Samuel Edison, a shingle maker and land speculator, and his wife, Nancy Matthews.For a brief amount of time, Thomas attended school, but was later home schooled by his mother. At a young age, Thomas was encouraged to read and developed a strong interest in reading, varying from subjects like Western history and general science. However, he took a special interest in chemistry and even assembled a home laboratory where he collected and experimented with chemicals. At the age of 13, Thomas was employed by the Grand Trunk Railroad as a newsboy and concessionaire on trains that …show more content…
Over the next few decades, Edison found his role as inventor transitioning to one as industrialist and business manager. Edison was not one to give up in trying to prove a point, One of the unusual and cruel ways Edison tried to convince people of the dangers of alternating current was through public demonstrations in which animals were electrocuted. One of the most infamous of these shows was the 1903 electrocution of a circus elephant named Topsy in New York's Coney