EOTO #1

  For my first EOTO assignment I chose to dive into how Morse Code and Telegraphs revolutionized communication. The Electric Telegraph was invented by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail in 1837 in order to simplify long distance communication. It used wires to transmit electrical signals rapidly using Morse Code to simplify the messages coming through. When Morse Code was created, it was a simple space and line system with letters and numbers attached to the different configurations. It was later refined to a dots and dashes system to lessen any confusion over the configurations. The dots and dashes were able to be sent audibly as well as visibly which made it more accessible for everyone. 

Morse Code

The telegraph was invented to replace slower methods used for long distance communication such as messengers and semaphore lines. The Transcontinental telegraph line was completed in 1861 which connected the Eastern States to California. The telegraph line made it possible to send cross country messages instantaneously allowing for easier communication. This telegraph line played a crucial role in unifying the country during the Civil War due its convenient communication with much less delay. 

Morse Code became standardized in 1906 by the International RadioTelegraph Convention which established a uniform code that was able to be utilized in the military. It allowed the military to have a much more encrypted way of communication that made it hard to be intercepted by enemy forces. The decline of Morse Code came in 1920 when voice messages became accessible through advances in radio technology. The invention of the telephone made telegraphs much more obsolete and replaceable. 

Telegraph Machine 

Before it was replaced, there were numerous positive impacts that the telegraph introduced. The military adaptations were extremely useful for our military to run smoothly in times of war. Their ability to send long encrypted messages was revolutionary in military field communication and is still used today as a backup form of communication for military servicemen and women. The use of morse code over radio systems in the field during WWII made it easy for men on the front lines to communicate with those who needed updates but weren’t there. It allowed for our military to be more of a unit and stay unified in times of need. 

Like all inventions, the telegraph and morse code came with some negatives when it was popular. The government was able to intercept certain messages through the wires across America allowing for them to spy on Americans and gain information illegally. If messages were not encrypted properly, they had the potential to be stolen and could lead to espionage. With the new innovation came the loss of jobs for everyday Americans who survived being messengers and couriers due to their jobs becoming less efficient as a telegraph. 

Overall, the invention of the telegraph was extremely impactful when it came to revolutionizing communication in modern society. It became a stepping stone for communication to continue to evolve throughout world history. The use of morse code today, shows the lasting impact that it had on our society and how it truly changed the ever changing landscape of communication.  

Morse Code Alphabet