Question 20

Employees were able to work longer hours

Thomas Edison's invention of the lightbulb significantly extended the number of hours that employees could work, as artificial lighting allowed for productivity beyond daylight hours. This innovation transformed work environments, enabling businesses to operate longer and more efficiently.

A) Fewer workers migrated to urban areas

This option is incorrect as the invention of the lightbulb did not lead to a decrease in urban migration. In fact, the availability of electric light in urban areas likely attracted more workers seeking employment in the newly illuminated factories and businesses.

B) Employees were able to work longer hours

This option is correct because the introduction of the lightbulb allowed businesses to extend their operating hours, thus enabling employees to work longer shifts. This innovation fundamentally changed labor practices and contributed to the growth of industries that relied on extended hours of operation.

C) Industrial dependence on steel manufacturing declined

This choice is not accurate as the invention of the lightbulb did not have a direct impact on the dependence on steel manufacturing. In fact, the industrial revolution, spurred by technological advancements like the lightbulb, often increased the demand for steel in construction and infrastructure.

D) Transportation of goods became less expensive

This option is incorrect because the invention of the lightbulb did not directly affect transportation costs. While industrial improvements could lead to more efficient transportation systems, the primary effect of the lightbulb was on labor and productivity rather than transportation economics.

Conclusion

The correct answer, that employees were able to work longer hours, highlights the transformative impact of Edison's lightbulb on labor dynamics and productivity. Other options either misinterpret the direct effects of the lightbulb or relate to broader industrial changes that were not closely tied to this specific invention. Thus, the ability to work longer hours stands out as a key consequence of this technological advancement.