Educational Value
The Current War (2017) brings the late 19th-century technological advances to life, and the competition between Thomas Edison's direct current (DC) system and George Westinghouse's alternating current (AC) system is displayed. The big difference between these technologies is emphasized: Edison's DC system was simpler, but weaker to be transmitted a long distance away from where it's made. While Westinghouse's AC system, fueled by Nikola Tesla's input, had effective transmission at a far distance. This made AC the preferred method for mass electrification. The movie adequately dramatizes the clash of technology and ideology between the two systems, how innovation does not solely originate from scientific challenges but also from fierce competition and PR battles.
The film also addresses the social implications of these developments, including scenes like the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, where the Westinghouse AC system was used to light up the fair. This was the tipping point in the "War of Currents," as it demonstrated AC as more suitable for bulk application and resulted in its triumph. The fair itself is a symbol of civilization and advancement, and the film uses it to illustrate how technological invention can change society.
Although the film remains faithful to the spirit of innovation and competition, it does take some liberties with historical facts in the name of drama. For example, it exaggerates Edison's attempt to discredit AC, like his alleged role in encouraging the use of the electric chair as a method of execution as a way of showing the danger of high-voltage AC. While Edison did oppose AC, historians also differ on the extent of his involvement in these acts. The movie uses this storyline to heighten the stakes and make the battle more personal, but it is also worth mentioning that some of it was dramatized.
AC vs DC Power Systems
The War of Currents
Edison vs Westinghouse
The Current War (2017) brings the late 19th-century technological advances to life, and the competition between Thomas Edison's direct current (DC) system and George Westinghouse's alternating current (AC) system is displayed. The big difference between these technologies is emphasized: Edison's DC system was simpler, but weaker to be transmitted a long distance away from where it's made. While Westinghouse's AC system, fueled by Nikola Tesla's input, had effective transmission at a far distance. This made AC the preferred method for mass electrification. The movie adequately dramatizes the clash of technology and ideology between the two systems, how innovation does not solely originate from scientific challenges but also from fierce competition and PR battles.
The film also addresses the social implications of these developments, including scenes like the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, where the Westinghouse AC system was used to light up the fair. This was the tipping point in the "War of Currents," as it demonstrated AC as more suitable for bulk application and resulted in its triumph. The fair itself is a symbol of civilization and advancement, and the film uses it to illustrate how technological invention can change society.
Although the film remains faithful to the spirit of innovation and competition, it does take some liberties with historical facts in the name of drama. For example, it exaggerates Edison's attempt to discredit AC, like his alleged role in encouraging the use of the electric chair as a method of execution as a way of showing the danger of high-voltage AC. While Edison did oppose AC, historians also differ on the extent of his involvement in these acts. The movie uses this storyline to heighten the stakes and make the battle more personal, but it is also worth mentioning that some of it was dramatized.
AC vs DC Power Systems
The War of Currents
Edison vs Westinghouse
