What accounts for the massive voltage differential between Edison's system and modern transmission lines?

Answer

The alternating current architecture allowing for step-up functionality.

Edison's DC system operated around 110 volts, but the AC architecture, promoted by Tesla, allows power to be sent across transmission lines at voltages far exceeding 100,000 volts before being stepped down for local use.

What accounts for the massive voltage differential between Edison's system and modern transmission lines?
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