Do you want to know more about the birth of communications? In the 18th century, it was a monumental event that changed the way people interacted with each other. What do you know about the history of communication?
In the 18th century, communications were changing rapidly. Before the age of mass media and the Internet, people relied on letters, newspapers, books, and pamphlets.
As technology evolved, people developed new forms of communication. For example, the telegraph and the telephone. Let’s look at the history of communications and how it has shaped the modern world.
What Communication Was in the 18th Century?
The development of writing also played a crucial role in the history of communication. Writing allowed people to keep records and store information, which made it possible for them to pass down knowledge from one generation to the next. It also allowed them to share ideas and beliefs across cultures without having to rely on oral tradition.
Back in the 18th century, communication was a very different beast. There were no phone lines or computers. All communication took place through letter writing. It made it difficult to keep in touch with beloved people, as letters could take weeks or even months to reach their destination.
Additionally, there was no such thing as email or social media. People communicated with each other through letter writing, book publishing, and oral storytelling. It meant that people had to be well-read to understand what was going on in the world around them. As technology continued to develop in the 1800s, new forms of communication emerged.
From Print to Pamphlets: The Birth of the News Media
In the 18th century, the news media began to emerge as a way for people to keep up with events in their communities and beyond. Before that, most people relied on print media like newspapers and books to get information. This method, however, was not always reliable and timely.
As a result, many people found it difficult to stay informed about what was happening worldwide. Newspapers started to become popular in the 18th century because of two factors:
- They were cheap to produce and distribute;
- They could be quickly delivered to the reader.
Though newspapers became widespread in the 18th century, pamphlets gradually replaced them starting around 1720. They were much cheaper to produce than newspapers (usually costing just a few cents per copy), which made them more accessible to a large audience.
They could also be distributed anonymously, which made them less likely to be censored or banned by authorities. As printing technologies improved over time, newspapers began to deliver more sophisticated written material and cover more topics.
The Golden Age of Letters
During the 18th century, letters were some of the most important forms of communication. It was because printed books and newspapers had yet to be invented. And letters were the only way for people to share information.
At this time, there was a great deal of political and social change, and letters were the only way for people to keep up with it. For example, when the American Revolution began in 1775, few people outside of America knew about it. But by sending letter after letter to their friends back home, activists managed to create a grassroots movement that eventually led to victory.
The Newspaper Revolution
In the 18th century, newspapers became popular as a way to communicate and share information. The first newspapers were published in 1679. And by 1840, there were over 10.000 different newspapers in circulation.
The primary reason for this explosion in newspaper publishing was the rapid growth of the printing press. This technology allowed for the mass production of newspapers, which then became accessible to a wider audience. In addition, this period saw a dramatic shift from oral communication to written communication, something that would have a significant impact on future developments in the creative industries.
As printed media began to dominate oral communication, it also had some serious consequences for society. Major political changes like the French and American revolutions were largely fueled by newspaper articles and editorials, rather than speeches delivered on stage by politicians.
The Rise of the Penny Press
The rise of the penny press in the 18th century was critical to the spread of information and ideas to a wider audience. It enabled books to be published quickly and cheaply, making it easier for people to access important literature. The penny press was essentially a printing press that used small coins as currency.
It made it possible for newspapers, books, and other kinds of publications to be produced at a much lower cost than traditional presses. One of the first penny presses was The Sun. It was started by Benjamin Day in 1833. Though the penny press was eventually overtaken by more modern methods like electronic publishing, it played an important role in spreading information and ideas across the continent during the 18th century.
The End of the 18th Century: A Look Ahead
New inventions like the steam engine and the telegraph allowed for faster, more efficient communication between people all over the world. As the century progressed, several new technologies were developed that would have a profound impact on how people communicate today.
For example, in 1795, Samuel Morse patented the first practical telegraph system, which allowed messages to be sent over long distances by short pulses of electricity. It enabled businessmen and officials to communicate with each other even when they were far away from each other. Overall, the 18th century was an important time for the communications development because it ushered in a new age of faster, easier interaction between people all over the globe.
Conclusion
People used various methods of communication in the 18th century, long before modern technology like smartphones and the Internet. People were inventive in their methods of conveying information. One thing seems certain: communication will continue to evolve as long as people are willing to share their thoughts and feelings via this medium.
Sources:
Communication In The 18th Century
Communication Revolution Of The 19th Century
The Golden Age of Letter Writing
About The Author:
Nancy P. Howard has been working as a writing expert at Writing Judge custom writing company for 2 years. She is also an editor at essay review service Best Writers Online. She loves history, photography and is always welcome to meet new people.
