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Story of the Atlantic Cable

The electric telegraph, together with the railway-train and the steamship, constituted the three most conspicuous features of late 19th century civilization. Indeed, it may be truly said that the harnessing electricity to the service of man for human communication has effected a change in political, commercial, and social relations, even more complete than that wrought by steam locomotion. This is the story of how the electric telegraph cable was laid across the floor of the Atlantic from Newfoundland to Ireland. - Summary by modified from the introduction (5 hr 30 min)

Chapters

Preface and Introductory

Evolution of Atlantic Telegraphy in America and England

The Manufacture of the Line

The First Start

Preparations for Another Attempt

The Trial Trip

The Storm

The Renewed Effort

''Finis Coronat Opus''

The Celebration

Working the Line

The Inquest

Other Proposed Routes

Experience, Investigation, and Progress

The 1865 Cable and Expedition

Second and Successful Attempt

Recovery and Completion of the 1865 Cable

Jubilations

Subsequent Atlantic Lines

Atlantic Cable Systems of Today