Why The Invention of The Telegraph Became Important

Telegraph devices used Morse code to transmit messages over long distances.

According to World Book, the telegraph changed worldwide communications and was a primary mode of transferring important information for about 50 years, until the telephone took over. A few companies still offer world telegram services today.

Speed

The telegraph, invented in 1830, was a groundbreaking invention because it greatly increased the speed at which messages could be sent. Before the telegraph, long distance messages could only travel as fast as the horse or ship that carried them. Messages could take weeks to travel across the country or to Europe.

Better Communication

Telegraphs enabled messages to travel farther and faster than ever before. Newspaper reporters used the telegraph to send their stories to newspaper offices. During the Civil War, armies used the telegraph to send military messages between units. In 1868, Western Union Telegraph Company began sending out weather reports. By 1870, telegraph lines connected cities all over the world, from Chicago to London to Tokyo, enabling governments to communicate more quickly and efficiently.

New Services

The telegraph also brought about new services that had not been used before. In 1845, the first money order was sent via telegraph. In 1867, Wall Street began using the telegraph to report the purchase and sale of stocks. Railroads used the telegraph lines to create transportation networks.

References

• "World Book Advanced;" Telegraph; Arthur Brodsky; 2010