The Story of the First Transatlantic Cable

Summary

The script narrates the historical journey of the transatlantic cable, from its inception in 1839 to the first message sent in 1858. It details the challenges faced, including multiple cable breaks and failures, and the eventual success of the 1858 attempt. The narrative also contrasts early copper cables with modern fiber-optic technology, highlighting the evolution from transmitting words to billions of words per minute, and the critical role of transatlantic cables in global communication.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The concept of a transatlantic cable was initially a dream among a few engineers, which became a reality in under two decades after the invention of the Telegraph.
• 📞 The first telegraph message sent across the Atlantic in 1858 read 'Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and goodwill towards men', marking a significant milestone in global communication.
• 🔄 The idea of a transatlantic cable was debated among experts until the first successful connection between Great Britain and France in 1850.
• 🛠️ Construction of the first transatlantic cable was led by Frederick Newton Gisborne, who, despite initial failures, later partnered with businessman Cyrus Westfield to realize the project.
• 💡 Samuel Morse served as the technical liaison for the project, and an oceanographer was consulted to ensure the feasibility of the cable's underwater deployment.
• 🏭 The first transatlantic cable was manufactured by glass Elliott & Co and RS Newall in Co, with a copper core and multiple protective layers to ensure strength and flexibility.
• 🚢 The HMS Agamemnon and the USS Niagara were the ships used to lay the cable, setting off from Southern Ireland in August 1857.
• 🔗 The initial attempts to lay the cable faced multiple failures, with the cable breaking several times and operations being suspended until the next year.
• 📅 The first successful connection of the transatlantic cable was achieved on August 16, 1858, with the first message sent shortly after.
• ⚡ The first cable failed on September 3, 1858, due to engineers increasing the voltage too much, which damaged the cable.
• 🔄 It wasn't until 1854 that the next cable was laid, and modern transatlantic cables are fiber-optic, with the first laid in 1988, capable of transmitting data at unprecedented speeds.
• 🌟 Modern fiber-optic cables have a complex protective structure and use light to transmit data, with repeaters to amplify signals over long distances, facilitating global trade and communication.

Q & A

What was the initial dream that led to the creation of the transatlantic telegraph cable?

The initial dream was to have a cable stretched across the Atlantic Ocean, which was initially considered by a few engineers after the birth of the Telegraph in 1858.

Who were the inventors of the Telegraph, and what year was it invented?

The Telegraph was invented by William Fothergill Cooke and Charles Wheatstone. Samuel Morse also contributed significantly to its development.

What was the first message sent across the Atlantic by telegraph cable, and what did it signify?

The first message was 'Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and goodwill towards men.' It signified a momentous achievement in global communication.

Who led the construction of the northeastern cable that was set to be the largest communication cable at the time?

The construction was led by Frederick Newton Gisborne.

What was the outcome of the first attempt to lay the transatlantic cable in 1857?

The first attempt in 1857 resulted in multiple cable breaks, and the operation was suspended until the following year.

What strategy was employed for the successful laying of the transatlantic cable in 1858?

The strategy involved two ships, the HMS Agamemnon and the USS Niagara, setting off from different continents, meeting in the middle to connect the cables, and then heading back to their respective ports.

What was the technical issue that caused the failure of the first transatlantic cable?

The first cable failed due to engineers boosting the voltage from 600 to 2000 volts, which caused a short somewhere along the cable.

How did the technology of transatlantic cables evolve from the first copper cables to modern fiber-optic cables?

The first cables were made of copper, but modern transatlantic cables are all fiber-optic, with the first fiber-optic cable laid in 1988. This evolution allowed for a significant increase in data transmission speed and capacity.

What is the structure of a modern submarine fiber-optic cable, and how does it provide protection?

A modern submarine fiber-optic cable consists of optical fibers coated by flexible plastic layers, encapsulated in a protective jacket, and surrounded by multiple layers of protection including petroleum jelly, copper or aluminum tubing, polycarbonate, aluminum water barriers, steel wires, mylar tape, and an outer polyethylene jacket.

How do fiber-optic cables transmit data, and what is the speed limit for data transfer?

Fiber-optic cables transmit data through flashes of light. The speed limit for data transfer is the speed of light, with optical amplifiers used at regular intervals to boost the signal.

What is the significance of transatlantic cables in facilitating global trade and communication today?

Transatlantic cables are the foundation of facilitating global trade and communication, providing a successful highway of information for people across the globe.