History of General Electric
General Electric (GE) was founded in 1892 through the merger of Thomas Edison’s Edison General Electric Company and the Thomson-Houston Electric Company. The company quickly became a leader in electrical innovation, contributing to the development of lighting, power generation, and early electrical appliances. GE played a major role in the electrification of America and later expanded into various industries, including aviation, healthcare, and finance.
Throughout the 20th century, GE continued to grow, pioneering advancements in jet engines, medical imaging, and industrial automation. It was a dominant force in consumer electronics, but by the 2000s, it shifted focus to industrial technology and renewable energy. Financial struggles led to a major restructuring, and in 2021, GE announced it would split into three independent companies focused on aviation, healthcare, and energy. This marked the end of an era for one of the most iconic American conglomerates.