The Birth of Long Distance Communication. Semaphore Telegraphs in Europe (1790-1840)

Abstract

Summary: Although already in existence at the end of the seventeenth century, the telegraph was seen at the time as an instrument for romantic communication only. It came into use in France with the intellectual and cultural upheaval of the revolutionary years. During this period time and space took on a new dimension (e.g. republican calendar and metric system) and the Chappe brothers' invention, which shortened distances, was recognized as a useful tool. During the Revolution and under the Empire, use of the semaphore telegraph was restricted to politicians, the police and the military; it permitted the State to