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Nikola Tesla - Serbian-American inventor (1856–1943)

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03.04.25
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Overview

Nikola Tesla, a Serbian-American inventor, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, and futurist, is renowned for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current (AC) electrical system. This timeline highlights key moments in his life, from his birth and education to his groundbreaking inventions and eventual passing, showcasing the trajectory of a brilliant mind that profoundly shaped the 20th century and beyond.
Main Milestones
Birth in Smiljan, Austrian Empire (Modern-day Croatia)
July 10, 1856
Nikola Tesla was born during a lightning storm in the village of Smiljan, part of the Austrian Empire (present-day Croatia). His father was a Serbian Orthodox priest, and his mother was known for her craftsmanship and memory. He believed the dramatic circumstances surrounding his birth imbued him with a unique connection to electricity.
Studies at Austrian Polytechnic in Graz
1875-1878
Tesla initially excelled in his studies at the Austrian Polytechnic, focusing on engineering and electricity. However, he later dropped out before graduating, reportedly due to gambling debts. Despite not completing his degree, his time at the Polytechnic provided him with a solid foundation in electrical engineering principles.
Edison Continental Company in Paris
1882
Tesla began working for the Continental Edison Company in Paris, installing indoor lighting and power plants across Europe. This practical experience exposed him to the limitations of direct current (DC) systems, fueling his interest in developing a more efficient alternating current (AC) system.
Arrival in the United States
1884
Tesla emigrated to the United States with little more than four cents in his pocket and a letter of introduction to Thomas Edison. He briefly worked for Edison Machine Works in New York, but their differing views on DC versus AC power led to a parting of ways.
Demonstration of AC Motor and System
1888
Tesla delivered a groundbreaking lecture to the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, demonstrating his AC induction motor and system. This marked a pivotal moment in the 'War of the Currents,' pitting Tesla's AC system against Edison's DC system. The lecture garnered significant attention and investment.
Westinghouse Wins Niagara Falls Contract
1893
George Westinghouse, who had acquired Tesla's AC patents, secured the contract to build the power plant at Niagara Falls using Tesla's AC system. This project successfully demonstrated the viability and efficiency of AC power for long-distance transmission, effectively ending the 'War of the Currents' and establishing AC as the standard.
Colorado Springs Experimental Station
1899
Tesla established a laboratory in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he conducted experiments with high-frequency, high-voltage electricity. He experimented with wireless transmission of power and studied atmospheric electricity. He claimed to have received extraterrestrial signals, although this claim remains controversial.
Wardenclyffe Tower Project
1900-1905
Tesla began constructing Wardenclyffe Tower, a massive wireless telecommunications facility on Long Island, New York. His vision was to create a global wireless communication system capable of transmitting not only information but also electricity. The project was ultimately abandoned due to financial difficulties and skepticism about its feasibility.
Death in New York City
1943
Nikola Tesla died alone in his hotel room in New York City on January 7, 1943, at the age of 86. He was largely forgotten by the general public at the time of his death, but his contributions to science and technology have since been widely recognized and celebrated. His inventions laid the foundation for the modern electrical grid and continue to shape the world we live in.

Other Themed Timelines

Alternating Current (AC) vs. Direct Current (DC) TimelineAlternating Current (AC) vs. Direct Current (DC) TimelineAwards and Recognition TimelineAwards and Recognition TimelineEarly Life and Education TimelineEarly Life and Education TimelineLater Years, Death, and Legacy TimelineLater Years, Death, and Legacy TimelinePersonal Life and Relationships TimelinePersonal Life and Relationships TimelineProfessional Career and Inventions TimelineProfessional Career and Inventions TimelineTesla's Visionary Ideas and Unproven Claims TimelineTesla's Visionary Ideas and Unproven Claims TimelineWardenclyffe Tower Project TimelineWardenclyffe Tower Project Timeline