Which American inventor is widely credited with developing the first commercially practical and long-lasting incandescent light bulb in the late 19th century, fundamentally changing how cities and homes were illuminated?

💡 Explanation:

While many inventors contributed to electric illumination, Thomas Edison is credited with inventing a reliable, long-lasting, and commercially viable incandescent light bulb (patented in 1879), and developing the integrated system of electrical distribution necessary to power it.