Final answer:
The widespread use of the telegraph began after the first transatlantic cable was laid in 1858, leading to substantial improvements in long-distance communication
Step-by-step explanation:
The widespread use of the telegraph was spurred on by advancements in communication technologies in the mid-19th century. The completion of the first transatlantic cable in 1858, although initially operational for only a month, marked a significant event leading to its widespread use. The telegraph, invented by Samuel Morse in 1830, used electrical impulses to send messages in Morse Code over wires, dramatically increasing the speed of cross-country communication.
Impact of the Telegraph on Communications
Prior to the telegraph, communication over long distances was slow and unreliable. It could take weeks or even years for a message to travel between continents. With the telegraph, messages could be sent in a matter of minutes or hours. For example, a message between England and India that previously took up to two years could, after the implementation of telegraph lines, be sent and replied to within just two days. This greatly enhanced the efficiency of governance, especially in the context of global empires. Domestically, companies such as Western Union controlled extensive telegraph networks, facilitating instantaneous communication and fostering the development of business, economics, and politics.