Table of ContentsIntroductionBody ParagraphsThe Innovator: Dr. Alfred P. SouthwickThe Role of Thomas EdisonThe First Execution and Public ReactionConclusionThe Electric Chair, a Device Synonymous with Capital Punishment in the United States United, has a complex and controversial history. The invention of the electric chair marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of methods of execution, moving from more primitive forms to what was then considered a more humane technological advance. This essay delves into the origins of the electric chair, examining its inventors, the context of its creation, and its impact on society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayIntroductionThe electric chair is one of the most iconic symbols of the American criminal justice system, particularly in the context of sentencing capital. Introduced in the late 19th century, this device was presented as a more humane alternative to hanging. While the name Thomas Edison often comes to mind in discussions of the electric chair, the actual invention is attributed to a dentist named Dr. Alfred P. Southwick. This essay aims to explore the life and contributions of Dr. Southwick, the role of Thomas Edison and other key figures, and the social and ethical implications surrounding the invention of the electric chair.Body ParagraphsThe Innovator: Dr. Alfred P. SouthwickDr. Alfred P. Southwick was a dentist and professor at the University at Buffalo. His interest in the use of electricity for executions is said to have begun after witnessing a fatal accident in which a man was electrocuted. Southwick observed that death by electric shock appeared to be quick and relatively painless compared to hanging, which could be prolonged and gruesome. Motivated by this observation, Southwick began experimenting with electrical currents on animals to study the effects and potential for application in humans. His work resulted in the design of the electric chair, a device that would deliver a lethal dose of electricity to the condemned individual. The Role of Thomas Edison While Dr. Southwick is credited with the concept and initial design of the electric chair, Thomas Edison played an important role in its development and popularization. At the time, Edison was engaged in the "War of the Currents" with George Westinghouse, a rivalry over the type of electric current preferred for widespread use. Edison advocated direct current (DC), while Westinghouse supported alternating current (AC). Edison saw an opportunity to demonstrate the dangers of alternating current by promoting its use in the electric chair. He believed that if alternating current was associated with death and danger, the public would favor his direct current system. Edison even went so far as to organize public demonstrations in which animals were electrocuted using alternating current. Ultimately, the first electric chair used alternating current, thanks in part to Edison's influence. The First Execution and Public Reaction The first person to be executed by electric chair was William Kemmler, a convicted murderer, on August 6, 1890 in New York. The execution did not go as well as expected. Initially, Kemmler was subjected to a 1,000-volt shock that left him unconscious but still alive. After a second, more powerful shock of 2,000 volts, Kemmler was pronounced dead. This botched execution sparked public outcry and debate about the humanity and effectiveness of the electric chair. Despite these difficult beginnings, the electric chair is.