Final answer:
The widespread adoption of the telephone changed society through improved communication, technological advancements, and social and cultural shifts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The widespread adoption of the telephone led to several significant changes in society:
- Improved communication: The telephone allowed people to communicate over larger distances instantly, making urban sprawl possible and connecting people from different regions. It replaced the telegraph as the preferred form of communication.
- Technological advancements: The telephone's adoption led to advancements in technology, such as microwave transmission, communications satellites, and wireless technologies. These improvements made phone calls more accessible, cheaper, and of better quality.
- Social and cultural shifts: The rise of mobile phones and the ability to make phone calls from anywhere changed societal norms and behaviors. Texting became a primary mode of communication, enabling discreet and quiet communication in public spaces.