The invention of the telegraph had a profound impact on communication during the 19th century. Developed in the early 1830s and 1840s, the telegraph used electrical signals to transmit messages over long distances almost instantaneously. This innovation revolutionized how information was shared, allowing for the rapid dissemination of news and facilitating business operations across vast geographical areas. By connecting cities and countries in real time, the telegraph laid the groundwork for the global communication systems that we rely on today. It played a vital role in shaping modern journalism, diplomacy, and commerce throughout the century.