Working for Edison
In 1884, at 28 years old, Nikola Tesla arrived in New York City with four cents, a blueprint for a machine, and a letter from Charles Batchelor, a business associate of Thomas Edison. Tesla instantly disliked America, saying it was a century behind Europe in civilization.
Edison's incandescent bulb created a huge demand for electricity, and banker J.P.Morgan invested large sums of money into the work. When Tesla met Edison, he showed him the letter and discussed his ideas. Edison hired Tesla, and offered a $50,000 reward if Tesla could improve his DC generators. Tesla completed the task, showed it to Edison, and asked for his payment. Edison, who was surprised and thought this task was impossible, told Tesla the money was a joke, saying that he didn't understand American humor yet. Confused and disgusted, Nikola Tesla resigned his job and set out on his own.
After resigning, Nikola Tesla had to dig ditches to stay alive. Eventually, some investors contacted him and asked if he could create an improved method for arc lighting. They were willing to fund the Tesla Electric Light Company. Unfortunately, all the money was received by the investors, leaving Tesla with only stock certificates.
Tesla's life would turn for the better, when Mr. A.K.Brown of the Western Union Company agreed to invest in his AC motor. However, selling it would become the next big challenge.
Edison's incandescent bulb created a huge demand for electricity, and banker J.P.Morgan invested large sums of money into the work. When Tesla met Edison, he showed him the letter and discussed his ideas. Edison hired Tesla, and offered a $50,000 reward if Tesla could improve his DC generators. Tesla completed the task, showed it to Edison, and asked for his payment. Edison, who was surprised and thought this task was impossible, told Tesla the money was a joke, saying that he didn't understand American humor yet. Confused and disgusted, Nikola Tesla resigned his job and set out on his own.
After resigning, Nikola Tesla had to dig ditches to stay alive. Eventually, some investors contacted him and asked if he could create an improved method for arc lighting. They were willing to fund the Tesla Electric Light Company. Unfortunately, all the money was received by the investors, leaving Tesla with only stock certificates.
Tesla's life would turn for the better, when Mr. A.K.Brown of the Western Union Company agreed to invest in his AC motor. However, selling it would become the next big challenge.