In 1878, Thomas Edison forms the Thomas Edison Light Company with the main focus on making lightbulbs. The company's name was later changed.

GE developed the incandescent light bulb in 1879, which was one of the notable innovations in the company's history.

In 1882, GE established the nation's first commercial power station, marking a significant milestone in the history of electrical power.

In 1889, Thomas A. Edison's company joined with two others to create Edison General Electric, marking the beginning of one of the most renowned conglomerates in the United States.

General Electric was originally founded in 1890 as the 'Edison General Electric Company'.

On January 1, 1892, the Edison Electric Light Company merges with Thompson-Houston Company to establish General Electric.

GE introduced the giant electric locomotive in 1893, showcasing its advancements in transportation technology.

In 1894, General Electric began its first venture into power transmission with the opening of the Redlands-Mill Creek power line in California and constructing a massive power-transmission line at Niagara Falls.

By 1896, General Electric became one of the original 12 companies listed on the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

In 1900, General Electric established the first laboratory in the United States solely dedicated to scientific research.

In 1902, General Electric invented the first electrical fan.

In 1905, The Electric Bond and Share Co. was established as the precursor to GE Commercial Finance, aiming to offer financial support to small utility firms.

In 1905, General Electric acquired 51% of Tokyo Denki, a Japanese company. This acquisition was a significant step in introducing Western technology into Japan.

On Christmas Eve in 1906, RCA, a child company of General Electric, made history by conducting the first voice radio broadcast. This event marked a significant milestone in the history of communication technology.

In 1908, William Coolidge, a researcher for General Electric, successfully drew tungsten into thin wires, leading to the creation of more durable light bulbs that could be utilized in various applications.

In 1909, the ductile tungsten filament was developed, improving Edison's incandescent lamp design and increasing efficiency. This innovation is still utilized in modern light bulbs.

In 1910, GE manufactured the 'Hotpoint', which was the first electric stove. This marked a significant advancement in kitchen technology.

In 1910, General Electric acquired 24% of Shibaura Seisakusho, another Japanese company. This strategic move further strengthened the connection between the companies and facilitated the introduction of Western technology in Japan.

In 1911, General Electric absorbed the National Electric Lamp Association (NELA) into its lighting business, establishing its headquarters at Nela Park in Ohio.

In 1912, a radical branching of GE's activities occurred when Ernst Alexanderson, a GE employee, was approached by a radio pioneer looking to expand the range of wireless sets into higher frequencies.

In 1917, GE began production of the first hermetically sealed home refrigerators. This design innovation revolutionized food preservation in households.

In 1918, GE's Albert Hull invents the Magnetron, a revolutionary vacuum tube that played a crucial role in the development of radar systems during World War II and later became essential in microwave technology.

In 1919, the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) is established through a collaboration between General Electric and American Telephone and Telegraph. This partnership marked a significant milestone in the history of communication and broadcasting.

In the late 1920s, General Electric introduced the first affordable electric refrigerator.

In 1922, Owen D. Young assumed the role of chairman at General Electric. He advocated for closer collaboration between businesses and the government, as well as corporate self-regulation under government oversight.

GE introduced the first home television in 1927, revolutionizing entertainment in households.

In 1930, General Electric initiated the process of developing technology for the general public, such as the first electric toaster for the average American. Additionally, GE pioneered radio broadcasting, enabling faster information sharing among people.

In 1932, GE Credit Corporation was founded, later evolving into GE Consumer Finance, providing companies the option to buy General Electric appliances on credit.

In 1938, General Electric (GE) invented the fluorescent lamp, adding to their long history of innovations in lighting technology and design.

In 1939, General Electric (GE) developed 'invisible' glass, a non-reflecting glass that has since been used in camera lenses and optical devices.

In 1940, General Electric (GE) began its silicone business by creating new silicone chemistry, which is still utilized in a diverse range of products and applications today.

GE's development of commercial jet engines in 1941 marked a significant advancement in aviation technology.

General Electric engineered the first American jet engine, marking a significant advancement in aviation technology.

In 1943, engineers at General Electric (GE) created the autopilot, a mechanism intended to maintain an aircraft on a set course continuously.

In 1945, General Electric showcased the first commercial application of radar technology, enabling ships to safely navigate in the dark and detect potential dangers up to 20 miles away.

In 1955, General Electric Research Laboratory announced the successful production of the first synthetic diamonds, primarily intended for industrial purposes.

General Electric creates the first jet engine which later becomes the most produced jet engine in history.

In 1957, GE ventured into nuclear power, contributing to the energy sector's technological evolution.

Homer Oldfield was fired from GE in 1958 by Ralph J. Cordiner for overstepping his bounds and successfully gaining the ERMA contract. Cordiner was against GE entering the computer business.

In 1959, General Electric faced accusations of involvement in an illegal cartel to maintain high prices, resulting in convictions and revealing the impact of white-collar crime.

In 1961, General Electric pleaded guilty to price fixing on electrical equipment and was fined nearly half a million dollars.

GE introduced laser lights in 1962, showcasing its innovation in optical technology.

GE introduces the first toaster oven, revolutionizing cooking for single adults by allowing them to cook more food in various ways.

In 1965, General Electric ventured into cable television with the launch of a franchise, expanding its media holdings.

In 1968, GE Research and Development Center led by Bruce Laumeister developed the experimental Delta electric car, showcasing early environmental work and research by GE.

Neil Armstrong takes his first step on the moon wearing GE rubber silicon boots.

In 1970, GE sold its computer division to Honeywell, exiting the computer manufacturing industry. However, it retained its timesharing operations for some years afterwards.

In 1973, General Electric (GE) employee Ivar Giaever received the Nobel Prize for his contributions.

GE delved into medical devices in 1976, enhancing its presence in the healthcare industry.

Jack Welch became the youngest chair and CEO of GE in 1981, initiating a transformative era for the company.

In December 1985, GE reacquired the RCA Corporation to gain ownership of the NBC television network, making it the largest non-oil merger in world business history.

Under Welch's leadership in 1986, GE acquired the RCA Corporation, including the NBC television network, expanding its media presence.

In 2000, GE made a counter-offer to buy Honeywell, which was approved by Honeywell. However, the European Union later prohibited the acquisition citing competition concerns.

Between 2001 and 2019, GE experienced significant growth and subsequent decline, facing challenges in various business sectors.

Jeff Immelt became the CEO of General Electric in 2001.

In 2002, General Electric acquired the wind power assets of Enron during its bankruptcy proceedings, strengthening its position in the renewable energy sector.

In 2004, GE bought 80% of Vivendi Universal Entertainment, parent of Universal Pictures, and completed the spin-off of its mortgage and life insurance assets into Genworth Financial.

In May 2005, GE introduced the Ecomagination program aimed at developing clean technology solutions like solar energy, hybrid locomotives, and water purification, reflecting GE's commitment to environmental sustainability.

In 2007, GE acquired Smiths Aerospace for $4.8 billion and Vetco Gray for $1.9 billion in the oil & gas sector.

The 2008 financial crisis had a substantial impact on GE, leading to a significant decrease in share price and restructuring efforts.

On December 3, 2009, NBCUniversal became a joint venture between GE and Comcast, with Comcast holding a controlling interest.

In 2010, General Electric introduced LED bulbs that were significantly more energy-efficient, consuming 77 percent less energy and boasting a lifespan of 22 years.

In May 26, 2011, GE unveiled the EV Solar Carport, a structure incorporating solar panels on its roof and electric vehicle charging stations underneath, demonstrating GE's innovation in sustainable energy solutions.

On June 6, 2011, GE announced the licensing of solar thermal technology from California-based eSolar for use in power plants combining solar and natural gas, showcasing GE's commitment to clean energy solutions.

In 2012, GE's brand was valued at $28.8 billion. CEO Jeff Immelt initiated changes in the brand's presentation, including a new corporate color palette, modifications to the logo, a new customized font, and a new slogan 'Imagination at work'.

On March 19, 2013, Comcast bought GE's shares in NBCUniversal for $16.7 billion, ending GE's stake in television and film media.

In April 2014, GE was in talks to acquire Alstom's global power division for around $13 billion, competing with a joint bid from Siemens and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

On September 14, 2015, GE announced the creation of a new unit called GE Digital, which aimed to bring together its software and IT capabilities under the leadership of Bill Ruh.

At the end of October 2016, GE was under negotiations for a $30 billion deal to combine GE Oil & Gas with Baker Hughes, creating a publicly traded entity controlled by GE.

On July 3, 2017, the merger between GE Oil & Gas and Baker Hughes was completed, forming Baker Hughes, a GE Company (BHGE).

On June 28, 2018, GE was removed from the Dow Jones Industrial Average after the value dropped below 1% of the index's weight.

On February 25, 2019, General Electric completed the sale of its diesel locomotive business to Wabtec, as part of its strategic restructuring efforts.

On August 15, 2019, Harry Markopolos, known for uncovering the Bernie Madoff Ponzi Scheme, accused General Electric of a $38 billion accounting fraud, comparing it to Enron. GE denied the allegations.

On July 1, 2020, GE Lighting was acquired by Savant Systems and remains headquartered at Nela Park in East Cleveland, Ohio.

On October 6, 2020, General Electric disclosed receiving a Wells notice from the Securities and Exchange Commission, indicating possible civil action for securities law violations.

General Electric Company reported Total CO2e emissions for the twelve months ending 31 December 2020 at 2,080 Kt, showing a declining trend in reported emissions since 2016.

On July 30, 2021, General Electric executed a reverse stock split at a ratio of 1-for-8, affecting its common stock trading and ISIN number.

On November 9, 2021, General Electric (GE) announced its decision to divide itself into three public companies, focusing on aerospace, healthcare, and energy sectors.

On March 3, 2022, GE pledged to donate $4.5 million to Ukraine for medical equipment, emergency cash for refugees, and support for Airlink, showcasing GE's charitable contribution during the Russian invasion.

On July 18, 2022, General Electric (GE) revealed the brand names of the companies resulting from its planned separation: GE Aerospace, GE HealthCare, and GE Vernova, each focusing on specific sectors.

On January 4, 2023, General Electric (GE) completed the first spin-off of GE HealthCare, retaining a portion of shares with plans to sell the rest over time.

In 2024, General Electric (GE) intends to spin off its portfolio of energy businesses to create GE Vernova, focusing on renewable energy, power, and digital sectors.