On August 26, 1873, the American physicist Lee De Forest, known as the "Father of Radio", was born. The triode he invented in 1906 is recognized as the most important achievement in the field of electronics up to that time.

The triode's great ability to capture and amplify radio signals, as well as to generate controlled amounts of power, became the basis for the rapid development of the electronics and communications industries.

De Forest also invented electronic components that were critically important in the development of telephones, short-wave transmitters, phonographs, sound films, and later radar and television.