What is the major advantage of the telegraph over earlier methods of communication?

The telegraph's major advantage over earlier methods of communication lies in its speed. This technology revolutionized communication by allowing messages to be transmitted over long distances almost instantly, compared to previous methods such as written letters or smoke signals, which took much longer to reach their destinations. The ability to send messages quickly facilitated trade, diplomacy, and coordination across vast distances, greatly enhancing communication capabilities in a rapidly growing world.

While aspects such as efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility are noteworthy in the context of communication advancements, the defining feature that set the telegraph apart was its unprecedented speed. This rapid transmission of information was a game-changer in both personal and professional contexts, laying the groundwork for future developments in communication technologies.