When did electricity exist? Find the answer here

Electricity as such was not invented by humans, because electricity is a natural phenomenon found in many ways in nature. What was discovered, however, was the possibility of making electricity useful to humans. This development began in the 19th century.

When did the use of electricity begin?

People have known since ancient times that electrically charged particles occur in nature. The electron owes its name to the Greek Thales of Miletus, who discovered charged particles when amber was rubbed together. Scientists also knew as early as the Middle Ages that a continuous flow of electrons was needed to generate electricity. It took until the 19th century for this goal to be achieved. Only a few decades later, everyday human life had adapted to the new possibilities.

The history of electricity at a glance

• 1775: The scientist Alessandor Volta develops the first functioning battery.
• 1820: Andre Marie Ampere explores the relationship between electricity and magnetism: the basis for the invention of generators.
• 1866: Werner Siemens manufactures the first working generators.
• 1878: Joseph Wilson Swan invents the carbon filament lamp, bringing electric light into homes.
• 1881: The transformer is invented. Dies war die Grundlage, um Strom zu transportieren und so Städte und Dörfer über Stromnetzen zu verbinden.
• 1886: George Westinghouse entwickelt den modernen Wechselstrom, der heute noch zur Stromversorgung genutzt wird.