Edison J.P Morgan Money Electric Thomas Vanderbilts People

Many people know that Thomas Edison "invented" (created something for the first time) the first "practical" (able to be used in real life) "light bulb" (the round, glass ball that produces light when screwed into the base of a lamp). But that is only part of the story. Edison had a lot of creative ideas, but he didn't have enough money to "realize" (make something happen) them on his own.

Edison needed "financial backing" (money that makes something possible), so he had to collaborate with "wealthy" (rich) people or businesses. Many "investors" (people who give their money to a project because they believe it will be successful and will make them money) gave Edison "funding" (money to be used for a particular purpose) in the 1870s and 1880s. These investors included J.P. Morgan and the Vanderbilts.

J.P. Morgan was a wealthy banker and an art collector. The Vanderbilts made their money in the "railroads" (companies related to transportation by train) and "shipping" (sending goods across large distances). Their funding led to the creation of the Edison Electric Light Company, which later "merged" (joined another company) with the Thomson-Houston Electric Company to create General Electric, which is still "in operation" (in business) today.

Edison's funders supported him in other ways, too. For example, J.P. Morgan's home in New York City became the first "private residence" (a home owned by an individual or family, not a business or government building) to have electric lighting in New York.

Edison's success would not have been possible without collaborating with J.P. Morgan, the Vanderbilts, and other investors.