African Business Chronicles

Chapter 65 – Electric Light

February 7, 1867.

The situation in the East African colony had yet to reach Europe, so Ernst remained unaware that the colony had taken Zanzibar.

For him, today was an important day: the improved electric lamp was finally ready for commercial use.

In fact, the first person to invent the electric lamp was the Englishman Humphry Davy, who used two thousand batteries and two carbon rods to create an arc lamp. However, such an arc lamp was far too bright, generated too much heat, and was not durable, so it couldn't be widely promoted.

In 1854, Heinrich Goebel, a German immigrant in the United States, invented the first practically functional lamp, which burned for four hundred hours. But he did not apply for a patent.

In 1860, the Englishman Joseph Swan built a carbon-filament lamp—already the most mature plan—but, limited by the vacuum technology of the day, he could not achieve long-lasting lighting. Historically, not until 1878 did Swan complete improvements and apply for a patent.

Now, however, thanks to Ernst pushing developments in vacuum technology, Berlin Power Company has become the first in this timeline to apply for a patent on a commercially viable electric lamp and to commence mass production.

"Ernst, it's already been lit for more than ten hours without a single problem—this is absolutely a groundbreaking invention."

Prince Konstantin, watching the still-glowing lamp, was visibly amazed. As a backer and investor in the electric lamp's invention, Ernst naturally first had it installed in his own home. Just yesterday, after workers had finished the installation, in order to test the lamp's performance, Ernst had turned on more than twenty bulbs overnight. Checking them the next day, not a single one had malfunctioned.

The household servants and Prince Konstantin all found this glowing object remarkable.

"Father, it's not just a great invention—it represents a massive business opportunity. Think about it: If from Berlin to Vienna, from Moscow to London, the entire world installed this lamp of 'illumination,' the potential revenue is enormous," Ernst said excitedly.

"Indeed, it should be introduced quickly," Prince Konstantin affirmed. "We'll start in Berlin!"

…

Prussia – Royal Palace

King Wilhelm I, Crown Prince Frederick, the young Wilhelm II, and various palace nobles gazed curiously at the electric lamp before them. A dozen arc-shaped bulbs, each emitting a distinctive, soft glow, illuminated the entire Prussian palace hall.

"Konstantin, this truly is remarkable—no more fragile candle flame, no faint kerosene flicker, and none of the odor from gas lamps," Wilhelm I remarked to Prince Konstantin.

"Sire, Prussia has always emphasized education and technological progress. This breakthrough has long been foreseen in our commitment to universal education," Prince Konstantin replied.

"Well, we must install these lamps in Berlin so that other countries can see Prussia leading the way. We have moved to the forefront," Wilhelm I declared.

With all of Europe still using candles and gas lamps, now Berlin would use electricity to light the streets—a thrilling prospect.

To promote the electric lamp, Ernst's Berlin Power Company would install lighting systems for free in the Prussian royal palace and Austrian imperial court. As for installing electric streetlamps in Berlin and Vienna, those governments would foot the bill. With the monarchies of both countries setting an example, nobles and the wealthy would also want to install them in their own homes.

…

Three Days Later

"This is the electric light Ernst mentioned—truly impressive!" Emperor Franz of Austria exclaimed to his family.

Empress Mother Sophie likewise marveled: "Yes, such a small device that requires no fuel or open flame can provide illumination—an unimaginable wonder."

"I hear Wilhelm I plans to replace the gas lamps in Berlin with electric lights; we in Vienna can't lag behind," Franz said to the ministers at his side.

At the emperor's command, so it was done. Thus, Berlin and Vienna became the first and second cities in the world to replace candles and gas lamps with electric light. News traveled by newspaper across Europe, prompting many to visit these two cities to witness the grand invention. Now, in bustling urban districts, bright lights shone everywhere for the first time.

Berlin Power Company, responsible for this achievement, was recognized worldwide, with its stock value soaring—making it one of Ernst's most valuable companies.

…

"Tom, have you connected with people on that side?" Ernst asked Tom.

"Master Ernst, yes. We've approached confidants of the Tsar and bribed certain officials who can act as intermediaries. As long as the money is right, they promise to persuade the Tsar to sell Alaska," Tom said.

"Excellent. As long as we strike before the Americans do, we can instantly gain a territory larger than our East African colony," Ernst said with satisfaction.

"Sir, to my knowledge, Alaska is just icy wilderness except for some fur. It seems valueless," Tom offered as a reminder.

"All right, I have my reasons," Ernst answered calmly. "When have you ever known me to lose out on a deal?"

"Understood, sir."

Just then Tom recalled something. "Sir, news has arrived from the East African colony." Handing over a dispatch from the colony to Ernst, he continued, "They say…"

Ernst took the message and quickly read it. Gradually a smile spread across his face.

"Wonderful. I've long been uneasy about Zanzibar's existence. Now they've handed us the perfect chance."

Ernst well knew the threat Zanzibar posed. It effectively controlled almost all coastal routes between the colony and the ocean. As long as relations remained peaceful, that was fine. But if a rival ever used Zanzibar to stir up trouble, the East African colony would be endangered.

Now, Zanzibar had delivered the opportunity themselves, and Ernst certainly wouldn't let it slip by. He sat down, picked up the pen on his desk, and wrote out instructions on how to handle Zanzibar—aiming to permanently secure the colony's coastal safety.

"Tom, send this directive to the East African colony. They must carry it out as stated."

"Yes, Master Ernst," Tom replied, turning to carry the documents to the telegraph office so they could be relayed to Trieste and then shipped to East Africa.

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