The Genius Who Electrified the World
Nikola Tesla was born on July 10, 1856, in Smiljan, a small village in modern-day Croatia. From a young age, he displayed an extraordinary memory and a deep fascination with electricity.
Though his father wanted him to become a priest, Tesla's passion for science was undeniable. After suffering a near-fatal illness, he persuaded his father to let him study engineering.
In 1884, Tesla arrived in New York with just a few coins but a wealth of ideas. He began working for Thomas Edison, helping to improve electrical systems but soon clashed with Edison over AC vs. DC current.
Tesla’s alternating current (AC) system was revolutionary. With support from George Westinghouse, Tesla challenged Edison’s direct current (DC) technology, leading to the famous “War of Currents.”
Tesla's AC system powered the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and the Niagara Falls hydroelectric plant, proving its superiority and securing Tesla’s place in history.
Tesla envisioned wireless energy for the world. He built Wardenclyffe Tower, hoping to transmit electricity without wires, but financial troubles forced him to abandon the project.
Despite dying in poverty in 1943, Tesla’s groundbreaking work paved the way for modern electricity, radio waves, and wireless technology. Today, he is celebrated as one of history’s greatest inventors.