The telegraph made little direct impact on most people's lives. It was a 'specialist' technology, owned by companies and operated by professionals.
But the indirect impact of the telegraph was huge. Things started working more quickly and efficiently, starting with the railways and quickly extending to the transport of goods and materials.
The greater speed and reliability of steamships and railways meant that people were no longer waiting years or months for shipments to come - but rather weeks or days.
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Advance information eased shipments, helped markets grow and reduced price fluctuations. It also meant there was a value in the information, as well as the goods.
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Telecommunications changed business. The rise of most multinational corporations date from the later 19th century, when the telegraph made it possible to run regional operations from a central head office. Later, ...