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The Shocking History of the Electric Chair
- Documentary
- History
This documentary explores the shocking history of the electric chair, from its invention to the first use in America. It delves into the fierce rivalry between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse during the War of Currents, revealing how Edison used his influence to promote the electric chair as a new method of capital punishment. Learn how this deadly technology was born from a commercial power struggle, forever changing the justice system. Discover the science, controversy, and gruesome details behind one of history's most infamous inventions. Perfect for those interested in true crime, historical technology, and the dark side of...
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B2 · Upper-intermediate
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- 87% of the words are B1 or easier.
- 101 words a minute: slow, clear speech.
- 211 harder words (B2 and up) in the whole episode.
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In 100 years, it has killed more than 4,000 prisoners.
,
it has become the terrible symbol of America's death penalty.
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Is this episode right for you?
B2 · Upper-intermediate
Comfortable if you already follow TV news
- 87% of the words are B1 or easier.
- 101 words a minute: slow, clear speech.
- 211 harder words (B2 and up) in the whole episode.
Transcript
The opening of the episode. The whole transcript is in the player.
harder words (B2+)
In 100 years, it has killed more than 4,000 prisoners. More than any other means of execution, it has become the terrible symbol of America's death penalty. This is the story of the first ever electric chair killing
and the extraordinary battle between two of America's industrial giants, which led up to it. It was one of the first attempts to kind of use a scientific knowledge and apply it to the science of killing.
But I think that the story behind it is really the attempt of one major electric company, Edison, to discredit another major electric company, Westinghouse. Here we have two people, Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse, who are such pioneers and such important people in the industry.
That was the opening. The rest of the episode (55 min) is in the player: every word clickable, with translation, saved words and flashcards.
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