The Telegraph: A Catalyst for an Improved Standard of Living
The "Special Century" is a name given by historians to the period of time starting in 1870 and ending in 1970. This century launched an astounding variety of innovations and inventions, plus supported a historic rise in the standard of living for much of the world. Never before in history had so many far reaching history-shaping developments happened in such a relatively short period of time. Why 1870? What about the Renaissance, the Scientific Revolution, the Age of Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution and the Information Age? Why was 1870 the date when innovations and inventions came together to dramatically raise the "standard of living" for many? I propose the telegraph is a key part of that answer. It was a keystone invention that not only enabled economic growth in ways never before possible, but it also played an important role in making all of our lives better. The most direct impact of the telegraph was the revolution in time and communication.