Why Did Lincoln's Use Of The Telegraph

The Revolutionary Telegraph

By: Payton Spaeth

The sounds of war include gunshots, bombs, and missiles. However, during the Civil War the telegraph's distinctive clicking sound played a significant role in the North's victory. The telegraph, created by William Sturgeon in the 19th century, had a major impact on the war ("Invention and Technology" 40). It required an operator and a keypad to effectively operate, and utilized Morse code to communicate (40). The telegraph reshaped people's communication habits, yet was met with initial skepticism, which could have prevented its impact on society. Nevertheless, President Abraham Lincoln recognized the potential of this revolutionary invention. As people started to understand its value, the telegraph

However, in the Civil War, Lincoln saw an entirely different weapon for information. The telegraph was now seen as a war weapon. Lincoln used the telegraph in many ways. The telegraph allowed him to stay involved with the battles while they were happening. Lincoln found himself becoming more involved in the war after the first year (McNamara). even though he brought up the telegraph idea in 1861 (Wheeler). He was not involved as much in the first year (McNamara). Later, in 1862, Lincoln started using the telegraph to order his officers. He found himself wanting to be more involved in the war, so he started to make more wire to communicate faster on the battlefield (McNamara). Lincoln started using the telegraph at the Battle of Manassas. Sadly, the Union did not win that battle, but it helped people see the importance of communication. Lincoln began to plan battles more thoroughly with his commanders. It was important to Lincoln that he be updated on the war and battles. Often, he helped formulate tactics over the telegraph and change the role of the government during war (Leddy). Commanding and talking to Ulysses S. Grant over the telegraph (McNamara). Lincoln could envision battles and how to win them. He could tell them where to proceed like they were pieces on a chessboard (Wheeler). This was unheard of at the time when people could communicate with troops across long distances (Wheeler). During his

Not only did he see the telegraph as a futuristic tool, but he also found the office a haven. Finding peace in the telegraph office, Lincoln bonded and had close relationships with the workers (McNamara). One of the young telegraph workers, Charles Tinker, was very close to Lincoln and taught him how to work on the device (McNamara). The telegraph office became his sanctuary to escape the busy White House. In emphasis, he wrote the Emancipation Proclamation in the telegraph office so he could be alone with his thoughts (McNamara). Lincoln was not only devoted to the telegraph but to the office and the way it was run as well. There was a keen interest in the telegraph among him that he could not dismiss. It was Lincoln who saw the value of the telegraph and its ability to spread information quickly (McNamara). For the first time, Lincoln used the telegraph during his time as a lawyer (McNamara). He had been familiar with the telegraph far earlier than anyone else and read about its discovery in the newspaper (McNamara). He was captivated by the idea and became a strong supporter of its development (McNamara). As President, he would go on to use the telegraph extensively to communicate with his generals in the Civil War (McNamara). Before the popularity of the telegraph, Lincoln learned that he won the election for president through the telegraph. He was the first president