When Telegraph was invested by Samuel Morse in 1844, no one could have thought that it would have a lasting impact on the success of American military in the near future.
2. Discovery of Telegraph
2.1. Initial Response to Telegraph.
Telegraph was initially seen as a tool for the rich and businesses and was not embraced by the American population.
2.2. Initial use of Telegraph.
The telegraph was seen as a revolutionary means for the media as it helped them to spread information and connected the North with the South. Many believed that the telegraph technology would never be able to replicate the precision of letters, but overtime as its true relevance was learned the national mood towards telegraph also changed.
2.3. Acceptance as an Effective tool.
Telegraph played a major role in helping the Union win the Civil War as it helped in coordinating the far-flung war operations. In the 19th and the first half of the 20th century, the American military utilized the telegraph as a strategic tool for communication.
3. Role of Telegraph in the Civil War.
3.1. Wartime Use.
During the Civil War, the telegraph became the link that connected the administration to the war front and ensured the Union victory. It was not until the start of the Civil War, the reach and effectiveness of the telegraph was discovered.
3.2. Appreciation by Leaders.
Great American leaders such as Abraham Lincoln were staunch supporters of telegraph as he regularly used the telegraph service and used to visit the telegraph office regularly for sending and receiving war news during the Civil War.
4. Conclusion
Whether it was the use of mobile telegraph wagons used to report and receive communications from the war front, or using the telegraph service for sending supply orders, or keeping the administration informed about the war front; telegraph turned out to be an innovative technology that helped the American military win several wars (Crofts, 2011; Wheeler, 2006).
5. References
Wheeler., T. (2006, 19 November).How the Telegraph Helped Lincoln Win the Civil War. Retrieved 5 September 2016 from, http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/21/communication-breakdown/?_r=0
Crofts., D.W. (2011, 21 May). Communication Breakdown. Retrieved 5 September 2016 from, http://historynewsnetwork.org/article/30860
