American Experience

Tesla

Nikola Tesla's technology revolutionized the electrical age of the 20th century. Although eclipsed in fame by Edison and Marconi, it was Tesla's vision that paved the way for today's wireless world. His fertile but undisciplined imagination was the source of his genius but also his downfall, as the image of Tesla as a “mad scientist” came to overshadow his reputation as a brilliant innovator.

Tesla Preview

30s

Nikola Tesla's technology revolutionized the electrical age of the 20th century. Although eclipsed in fame by Edison and Marconi, it was Tesla's vision that paved the way for today's wireless world. His fertile but undisciplined imagination was the source of his genius but also his downfall, as the image of Tesla as a “mad scientist” came to overshadow his reputation as a brilliant innovator.

Previews + Extras

  • George Westinghouse from Tesla: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    George Westinghouse from Tesla

    S29 E7 - 1m 7s

    During the last part of the 19th century, George Westinghouse had made his fortune through his invention, the railroad air brake. Now a wealthy man, Westinghouse set his sights on the future, and the future was electricity.

  • The Contract from Tesla: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Contract from Tesla

    S29 E7 - 52s

    In Nikola Tesla's original contract with George Westinghouse, the inventor was promised a bonus of $2.50 for every horsepower of alternating current sold. But making Tesla's AC motor was expensive, and Westinghouse soon told Tesla he wouldn't be able to pay him what was originally promised.

  • Tesla, Chapter 1: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Tesla, Chapter 1

    S29 E7 - 6m 59s

    Regarded by many as an eccentric genius, Nikola Tesla's system of alternating current is the basis of the electrical grid that makes daily life possible in the 21st century. One hundred years ago, he paved the way toward robots, radio, radar, remote control, and the wireless transmission of messages and pictures. He dreamed of harnessing the wind and the sun to make free energy available for all.

  • Tesla The Evolution of Invention: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Tesla The Evolution of Invention

    S29 E7 - 4m 21s

    The word “inventor” conjures images of a far-off past. Today, inventor Steve Hollinger keeps the spirit of innovation alive in his workshop, just as more than 100 years ago, Nikola Tesla worked in his to revolutionize the electrical age.

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