In 1879, Thomas Edison, an American inventor and businessman, sought to revolutionize indoor lighting by applying for a patent for his breakthrough incandescent light bulb design. Edison's innovation was built on the work of previous inventors like Sir Humphry Davy and Joseph Swan, but he successfully developed a more practical version by using a carbon filament, which greatly improved the longevity and efficiency of the bulb. By enclosing the filament in glass, Edison created a vacuum that minimized oxygen exposure, allowing the filament to glow brightly without burning out immediately.

Edison's design was not merely a technical feat; it encapsulated his broader vision for affordable and accessible electric lighting for the masses. The patent application was part of a larger series of developments that Edison's workshop, known as Menlo Park, was known for. His success came after extensive experimentation with various materials and designs, resulting in a light bulb that could stay lit for up to 1,200 hours. This was a significant improvement over the earlier, less effective designs that many consumers had access to at the time, which often had short lifespans and were inefficient.

The filing of Edison's patent marked the beginning of the electric light bulb's commercial development. With this patent, he established himself as a key player in the electrification era, which would fundamentally alter daily life. Electric lighting began to replace gas lamps in homes and streets, fostering a new environment that extended productive hours beyond daylight, significantly impacting social and economic activities. As cities became illuminated, this transformation encouraged nightlife and increased safety, leading to urban growth and changes in societal behaviors.