Summary of Nikola Tesla vs Thomas Edison EPIC NEW Documentary 2015 HD

The documentary "Nikola Tesla vs Thomas Edison" explores the intense rivalry between two of history's most iconic inventors during the late 19th century as they fought to harness the power of electricity. The narrative sets the stage by introducing the stakes of the "war for electricity," with both inventors presenting radically different visions for the future.

Main Plot:

The documentary follows Thomas Edison, known as "The Wizard of Menlo Park," who is determined to create a safe and reliable electric light bulb powered by direct current (DC). Despite numerous failures, Edison finally succeeds in 1879 by using carbonized filament, but he faces the challenge of building an entire electrical infrastructure from scratch. Meanwhile, Nikola Tesla, a visionary with a revolutionary idea for alternating current (AC), believes his approach can deliver electricity more efficiently over long distances.

Highlights:

Edison's establishment of Pearl Street Station, the first power plant, and his struggle to expand the reach of his DC system.
Tesla's arrival in America, his innovative ideas, and his eventual departure from Edison's company after a failed promise of a $50,000 bonus.
Tesla's development of the AC motor and his partnership with financier George Westinghouse, who sees the potential in Tesla's vision.
The escalating rivalry leads to a public battle, with Edison launching smear campaigns to discredit AC, even demonstrating its dangers through gruesome public executions using AC.

Key Events:

The pivotal showdown at Niagara Falls, where Tesla and Westinghouse successfully pitch their AC system, ultimately winning the contract over Edison's DC proposal.
Tesla's selfless decision to forgo licensing fees to save Westinghouse Electric from bankruptcy, showcasing his commitment to his vision over personal gain.
The documentary concludes with the recognition that Tesla's alternating current system ultimately triumphed, powering America for the next century, while Edison, despite his many patents, faced a significant defeat.

Notable Jokes/Reactions:

Edison's dismissive attitude towards Tesla's ideas is highlighted through humorous exchanges, particularly when Edison jokes about Tesla's misunderstanding of American humor regarding the promised bonus.
The dramatic irony of Edison's desperate attempts to prove AC's dangers, which backfires as Tesla's innovations gain traction.

Personalities Featured:

Overall, the documentary paints a vivid picture of the fierce competition and contrasting philosophies of two brilliant minds, ultimately celebrating Tesla's legacy in the history of electricity.

Notable Quotes

— 30:28 — « Edison's great weakness is his inability to shift his mindset as the industry changes. »

— 31:07 — « Imagine being the first person to get in a hot-air balloon before they'd invented a way to land it. »

— 34:31 — « They could have done him in better with an axe. »

— 42:40 — « You see Edison probably at his most human; he allows his ego to take over. »

— 43:11 — « Tesla's alternating current would go on to power America for the next century and beyond. »