Edison invents the phonograph. Edison invents the incandescent lamp. The Brooklyn Bridge opens. Maxim invents the machine gun, making possible mass slaughter and beginning the mechanization of warfare. Benz develops first automobile to run on internal- combustion engine.
Hertz produces radio waves.
1889 Eiffel Tower. Rudolf Diesel invents his namesake. Roentgen discovers X-rays. Marconi patents wireless telegraph. Joseph Thomson discovers particles smaller than atoms.