The article by Armand Mattelhart provides historical insight into networking and global communication. The author links humanity’s attempts to remove obstacles to civilization’s unity. There are two ways of achieving international networks, as seen from the text; the first is using technologies such as telegraphs or railroads. The second way is diplomacy, which creates treaties, acts, and international unities that contribute to networking development. In addition, one of the leading moving forces behind global communication was economic growth and achieving free trading opportunities between all parts of the world.
Resisting the authoritarian forms of government and hierarchical administrations was another aim key characteristic of networking development. However, the resistance was not always successful. For example, with the development of the telegraph, there were hopes that this tool would be used to provide accessible communication within France. But this technology was later used exclusively for military purposes by forces who controlled the connection. “The language of telegraphic signs was to remain a state secret for a long time. Its use by the public was first authorized over fifteen years after the invention of the electric telegraph.” (Mattelhart 4). Hence, the development of networks was constantly challenged by various obstacles.
In my opinion, the article puts an interesting perspective on well-known historical facts. The author does a great job of highlighting the most important events and creating a logical chain that unites them within networking. The article’s title creates curiosity about how such a modern term as network be referred to in the year 1794 and earlier.
Works Cited
Mattelart, Armand. Networking the world, 1794-2000. U of Minnesota Press, 2000.