Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 100%

Which of the following changes was a major effect of Thomas Edison's invention of the lightbulb?

Rationale

Employees were able to work longer hours.

Edison's invention of the lightbulb revolutionized work environments by providing artificial lighting, allowing businesses to extend their operating hours well into the night. This increase in productivity fundamentally transformed labor practices and the economy.

A (Fewer workers migrated to urban areas.) YOUR ANSWER

The invention of the lightbulb actually contributed to urban migration, as cities became more appealing with extended work hours and improved living conditions. People flocked to urban areas seeking employment opportunities created by industries that could operate after dark, making this statement incorrect.

B (Employees were able to work longer hours.) CORRECT

The introduction of the lightbulb allowed factories and businesses to remain open beyond daylight hours, significantly increasing the number of hours employees could work. This change not only enhanced productivity but also led to a shift in labor dynamics and economic growth, making it the major effect of Edison's invention.

C (Industrial dependence on steel manufacturing declined.) YOUR ANSWER

Edison's lightbulb did not have a direct impact on the steel industry; rather, the demand for steel continued to rise due to industrial expansion across various sectors, including construction and transportation. Therefore, this statement does not accurately reflect the consequences of the lightbulb’s invention.

D (Transportation of goods became less expensive.) YOUR ANSWER

The lightbulb itself did not specifically reduce transportation costs. While increased industrial efficiency could indirectly affect shipping and logistics over time, the immediate effects of the lightbulb were more focused on work hours and productivity rather than the economics of transportation.

Conclusion

Edison's invention of the lightbulb fundamentally altered work environments by enabling longer working hours, which in turn catalyzed economic growth and shifted labor practices. The incorrect choices either misinterpret the broader social implications or focus on sectors not directly influenced by this technological advancement. The lightbulb's role in extending work hours stands out as a pivotal change in the industrial landscape.

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