Connecting Two Worlds

It’s hard to believe that just 166 years ago, a microsecond ago in human history, it took weeks or even a month or more for folks in America to communicate with someone across the world. Today we do this in a blink of the eye over the internet and the worldwide web. And now we, especially our newest generations, take this all for granted. 

On August 16, 1858, a monumental event in the history of communication took place when U.S. President James Buchanan and Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom exchanged greetings over the newly laid transatlantic telegraph cable. 

This achievement marked the first time that two continents were connected by an electrical communication line, signaling the dawn of a new era in international relations and technological advancement — a breakthrough that would change human history forever going forward. 

For centuries, communication between North America and Europe had been limited to handwritten letters, carried by ship – a process that could take weeks or even months. The idea of a telegraph line spanning the Atlantic Ocean was first proposed in the early 19th century, but it was not until the 1850s that the necessary technology and resources became available to make it a reality. 

The project was spearheaded by American entrepreneur, Cyrus West Field, who envisioned a telegraph cable that could transmit messages instantaneously across the ocean. After years of planning and multiple failed attempts, the cable was successfully laid between Canada and Ireland, in the summer of 1858. The cable stretched 2500 miles across the ocean floor and faced many immense technical challenges in its installation.

The first historic message from President Buchanan to Queen Victoria was one of congratulations and friendship, reflecting the significance of this unprecedented achievement. Buchanan’s message read: “The President cordially reciprocates the congratulations of Her Majesty the Queen on the success of the great international enterprise accomplished by the skill, science, and indomitable energy of the two countries.” 

Queen Victoria responded with equal graciousness, highlighting the hope for future peace and cooperation between the United States and the United Kingdom. Her message read: “The Queen desires to congratulate the President upon the successful completion of this great international work, in which the Queen has taken the deepest interest.”

This exchange was not merely symbolic; it represented a growing connection between the Old World and the New World, suggesting the potential for enhanced diplomatic and economic relations and the promise of faster, more efficient communication. 

Although the initial transatlantic cable ceased functioning just a few weeks after the exchange, due to technological limitations, the endeavor laid the foundation for future advancements. By 1866, a more durable and reliable transatlantic cable was successfully laid, ensuring continuous communication between the continents.

The successful exchange of messages between Buchanan and Victoria remains a milestone in global communication history. It demonstrated the possibilities of telegraphic technology and laid the groundwork for the modern global communication networks that connect the world today. 

Beyond the technological achievement, the event symbolized a moment of cooperation between two powerful nations, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and collaboration that would grow stronger in the years to come. 

But, as with all advancements, we must weigh the pros and cons. Today our instant communication networks are at times hijacked and used for nefarious means. Those who wish to relay negative or false information can do so instantly and expose the entire world to their claims. And sadly even to such things as pornography. In order to protect ourselves and especially our children from such things, this instant communication must be monitored and filtered, and somehow regulated without infringing on freedom of speech. A very tricky proposition. 

In our novels, we use several unique forms of communication. In Taoland, Adam wears on his wrist a communication device that allows him to instantly reach anyone. But this very same network is used in a negative way to spread false information about him – instantly – and without the ‘fingerprints’ of the evil ones doing the deed. Later when he returns to his homeland of Novana, Adam finds a new civilization that is only 1000 years old. Without forms of instant communication, he is forced to rely on ancient techniques, and he even discovers a species that can communicate through a network of interconnected ‘magical’ trees. 

The inauguration of the transatlantic telegraph cable was a turning point in how the world communicated, shrinking vast distances and bringing people closer together across the globe. Since then communication has only advanced. Now we must choose to use this advancement to our advantage to spread positivity and light throughout the world, and through it, we hope to bring our stories to you.