The pivotal technological advancement that made transatlantic communication possible in the late 19th century was the transatlantic telegraph cable. Laid in 1866, this cable allowed for instantaneous communication between Europe and North America, revolutionizing global communication. Prior to this development, messages could take weeks to cross the ocean. The telegraph facilitated faster diplomatic communications, commercial transactions, and news dissemination, effectively shrinking the world and fostering closer international relationships. This innovation laid the groundwork for the modern telecommunications network, enabling real-time interactions that significantly influenced politics, business, and everyday life.