- Edison's inventions improved the quality of life for many Americans. His electric light bulb brought indoor lighting to homes and businesses, his phonograph made it possible for people to listen to recorded sound, and his motion picture camera helped create a new form of entertainment.
- Edison's inventions also created new jobs and opportunities for Americans. His electric light bulb industry created thousands of jobs in factories and power plants, and his motion picture camera helped to create a new film industry in Hollywood.
- Edison also used the free enterprise system to finance his research and development efforts. He was able to raise money from investors to fund his work on new inventions. In return, the investors shared in the profits from his inventions.
In this way, the free enterprise system allowed Thomas Edison to create new products that benefited the public, create jobs and opportunities for others, and make a profit for himself and his investors.