6 Questions
What was the primary constraint on politics and business before the telegraph?
Geography
How did the telegraph impact the world?
It erased national rivalries and contributed to world peace
What was the approximate time it took to send a message from London to New York before the telegraph?
All of the above
What was predicted to become obsolete after the advent of the telegraph?
Newspapers
What era saw similar predictions about the impact of a new medium?
1990s
What was the primary benefit of the telegraph in the 1850s?
It enabled the rapid transmission of messages over long distances
Study Notes
Communication Before the Telegraph
- Communication in the 1830s was similar to that after the invention of the printing press, with messages taking days, weeks, or months to reach their destinations.
Impact of the Telegraph
- The telegraph cable, stretched from coast to coast in the 1850s, enabled messages to be sent from London to New York in mere minutes.
- The telegraph reduced the impact of geography on politics and business, making the world seem smaller.
- The telegraph allowed for faster dissemination of national and international news, reducing the delay in receiving news.
Predicted Consequences of the Telegraph
- Predictions in the 1850s suggested that the telegraph would alter business and politics.
- The telegraph was expected to contribute to world peace by reducing national rivalries.
- Some predicted that the telegraph would make newspapers obsolete.
Comparison to the Internet
- Similar predictions were made in the 1990s about the impact of the Internet, highlighting its potential to change the world.
How did the telegraph transform communication and shape the world in the 19th century? Take this quiz to find out! Explore the significance of the telegraph cable and its impact on politics and business.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
