Timeline May 1888

Events in May 1888 4

• 1888 Nikola Tesla patents the AC induction motor Alternating-current system challenges Edison's direct current Nikola Tesla was granted patents for his alternating-current induction motor and polyphase power system in May 1888, and presented the work to the American Institute of Electrical Engineers. George Westinghouse licensed the patents shortly afterward, laying the groundwork for the AC power systems that eventually became the world standard. The invention set off the 'War of the Currents' with Thomas Edison's rival direct-current system.
• 1888 – 1989 Irving Berlin (1888-1989) Died 22 September 1989, aged 101 Irving Berlin was an American composer and songwriter behind classics including White Christmas and God Bless America. He wrote music for numerous Broadway shows and Hollywood films across seven decades. He is considered one of the most influential songwriters in American history.
• 1888 Brazil abolishes slavery Golden Law ends slavery throughout the empire Princess Isabel, acting as regent, signed the Lei Aurea (Golden Law) on 13 May 1888, immediately and unconditionally abolishing slavery in Brazil. Brazil was the last country in the Americas to end slavery, freeing roughly 700,000 enslaved people without compensation to owners. The law's passage contributed to the fall of the Brazilian monarchy the following year.
• 1888 – 1993 Inge Lehmann Discoverer of Earths Core The seismologist who reasoned that the Earth must have a solid inner core based on seismic wave data.