The transatlantic telegraph cable: engineering an ocean connection

Transatlantic Cable

Big Dreams Across an Ocean

The telegraph was a marvelous invention that allowed people to communicate at speeds never thought possible. When Samuel Morse first invented the telegraph, America was soon blanketed with a network of telegraph lines (Leinhard). One of the first lines laid went under the New York Harbor. This task presented a host of challenging engineering problems (Leinhard). However, by 1851 a telegraph spanned the English Channel (Leinhard). These feats proved that even though this was a tricky task, to say the least, it was not an impossible one. This led inventors to dream big and soon the idea that a cable could be laid that would span the Atlantic ocean, connecting North America with Europe was born. This is the story of how that dream became a reality.

To Dream a Dream

Everything that we have today exists because someone once had an idea. They turned the dream into a reality. Everett Rogers (2003) defines invention as a process that involves a number of defined steps or phases. According to Rogers, this process applies to every new invention or piece of technology. Consider, for example, that in the 1930s people had to home can everything that they wanted in the winter. Now, we go to the store, purchase a can of tomato sauce and we have it. We do not have to grow the tomatoes, pick them, and then can them ourselves. This new innovation was a change from what people were used to and took some time to accept. Inventions are not always adopted instantaneously by the consumer.

Not every great idea becomes an invention and not every invention becomes something that changes society. Most new inventions are slow to penetrate society. The rate of acceptance picks up speed and slows again in the future (Clarke, 2001). For inventions that do pass the rigorous tests and make it to market, there are still challenges. The most difficult aspect of getting the customer to try a new product is letting them know that it is available (Koebel, Papadakis, Hudson, & Cavell, 2004).

The process of invention involves a series of definitive steps. Early inventors used this process, only it had not yet been formalized in that manner that it is today. The first step is to identify a need or want (NASA, 2008). The second is to find possible solutions and to select the solution that seems to be the most appropriate (NASA, 2008). The next step to conduct research and develop a plan (NASA, 2008). Next, one must build a working model. The model must then be tested. After the model is developed and tested, one is ready to proceed with marketing and production of the invention (NASA, 2008). The only difference between inventors of today and inventors of yesterday is that the process has been formally divided into definite stages.

The process of invention requires that the inventor, financier, and adopter of the invention break away from traditional thinking and norms (Greenhalgh, Robert, & Macfarlane, et al., 2005). All parties must be willing to break tradition in order to adopt the new invention. The invention process has changed since the days of early inventors. Now the product and the end consumer's preferences are taken into consideration in the invention and design process. For instance, the invention will be specifically designed to target male or female aesthetic preferences (Moss, 2003).

Many people have great ideas, but few actually bring them to market. There are many obstacles to overcome on the road to success. The first is that the person must have the means to develop the project. The second is that they must be able to convince people that they need the invention and that it would fulfill a need in their lives. The third factor is the ability to communicate the existence and importance of the product to the market (NASA, 2008). After all of the obstacles have been resolved, the invention can be implemented. Successful implementation of creative ideas requires success in all of the stages from initial concept to finished product and marketing. Failure at any one of these junctures means failure for implementation of the idea or product.

One does not have to be a multi-millionaire to create an invention and make it work. Multi-millionaire, Cyrus Field began his career at age fifteen with only eight dollars in his pocket (Elliott, 1950 (2007)). It does not take money to create and successfully market an invention. It takes the desire to succeed and the ability to convince others that the idea is worthwhile. One can find someone to finance the project. This is particularly easy if the project will benefit the public in some way. One must first identify a real need before then can convince others to help with the project.

In conclusion, the story of the first transatlantic cable demonstrates that even supposed failures provide the knowledge needed to make the project a success in the end. In order to become a successful inventor means being daring enough to think differently. It means learning from one's mistakes and doing the research to make certain that their creation will benefit society in some way. There will be challenges and obstacles along every step of the way. The successful inventor must be willing to make sacrifices and to try again until they get it right. Few things that are worthwhile in life come easy. The first transatlantic cable is a prime example.