How did Thomas Edison acquire his wealth?

Thomas Edison acquired his wealth primarily through his numerous inventions and the successful commercialization of his ideas. He founded several companies, most notably General Electric, which became a major player in the electrical industry. Edison's inventions, including the phonograph, the incandescent light bulb, and improvements to the telegraph, not only garnered patents but also generated significant revenue through licensing and sales. His entrepreneurial spirit and ability to market his inventions effectively played a crucial role in building his fortune.